Expresses the gratitude that Mrs Grote feels towards Sidgwick for the paper on Jeremy Bentham that he contributed to the Fortnightly. In her view this review was 'urgently called for', as past works on him 'have never taken a thorough measure of either the man or his works. She believes herself to be the only person now living to be intimately acquainted with Bentham in his later years, from 1820 to 1832. She would be happy to receive a visit from Sidgwick should he come to London while she would still be in town, and 'to relate some particulars concerning the old Philosopher and his "ways"' to him'. Relates that some years ago she presented to the British Museum a large amount of papers on the subject of the Christian Religion, all or most in Bentham's own hand. Suggests that Sidgwick have a look at them. Sends her compliments to Mrs Sidgwick, whom Mrs Grote has never met, but whose mother she knew well. Details of Mrs Grote's movements - in London and Balliol College, Oxford - are given.
Grote, Harriet (1792-1878), née Lewin, woman of lettersReports on the burial of his brother-in-law Francis Maitland Balfour, who died in a climbing accident in the Alps. Writes that they 'have just laid the coffin in the earth...on high ground within a cluster of trees', where his wife took him six years ago to show him her mother's grave. Speaks of the privilege he feels in being associated with the Balfour family for the past six years; says that family life 'can never again be what it has been'. Regarding the possibility of eternal life, says that he has 'no faith like [Myers'], but is 'glad that at least the funeral service is not so alien' to him as it was.; today he felt it to be 'symbolic, interpreted by the words of the Apostle, who to-day seemed to have known more than the churches understood - or perhaps he was inspired by one who knew more'.
Announces that he and Nora intend to return to Cambridge the following night. Adds that Rayleigh is going back then, and that they shall stay at 5 Salisbury Villas. Asks Myers to write to him there the following night to let him know how things have gone since he last wrote. Expresses his desire to join in any experiment that Myers, if he has been successful, may make on Monday. Asks him also to indicate when they may conveniently meet on Monday. Expects to be in Trinity or Newnham 'a good deal of the day.' Adds that he will look for Miss Mason's MS when he gets to Cambridge.