Embossed notepaper for Travellers' Club, Pall Mall. - Regrets Houghton's absence (as Treasurer) from Literary Fund anniversary today; Houghton's proposal for an Order of Merit for Art and Science widely supported.
Text on base of memorial statue of Hallam by Theed in St Paul's cathedral (birth and death dates not completed). Initials belong to members of the Hallam Memorial Fund committee: S [Lord Stanhope?] W. E. G[ladstone]; H.H. [Henry Holland]; R. M. M[ilnes]; H. H. M[ilman].
First copy has MS additions, one of which, 'June 6. H.H.M.' is adopted in the second, the other, 'The constant benevolence of his disposition', is not.
On the importance of 'the art of speaking' in education. Note in Robert Pemberton Milnes' at bottom: 'R. O. A. M. from Grandpapa'.
13 Belgrave Square. - Condolences on the death of Lady Houghton; discusses his recent loss of his own wife. Will of course vote for Augustus Hare in the ballot for the Athenaeum next Monday and do all he can for him; does not think this will be needed given Hare's 'literary claims & his popular character', and Houghton must not think of coming to town solely for that purpose.
14 Sydney Street, Brompton, S.W. - Was awarded a small civil list pension some years ago; Sir Emerson Tennent planned to reapply but died shortly afterwards; asks if Milnes will sign the Memorial on the subject drawn up by Mr Halliwell with the support of Lords Lytton and Stanhope.
Chevening. - Literary Fund's policy as to applications is secrecy, though applicants may dispense with it; case of Chateaubriand; editor of Boswell's Commonplace Book may publish what he pleases; condemnation of Marshal Bazaine may be ill judged.