THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA RIVERSIDE Ex Libris C. K. OGDEN f jUJ^Cil JOEpsr MDHRAX ALBEMARLS STREET 187J THE PEESONAL LIFE OF GEOEGE GROTE. COMPILED FROM FAMILY DOCUMENTS, PRIVATE MEMORANDA, AND ORIGINAL LETTERS TO AND FROM VARIOUS FRIENDS. (V a' By M^^ GEOTE. SECOND EDITION. LONDON: JOHN MUEKAY, ALBEMAELE STEEET. 1873. Tlie rigid of Trunslalinn is reserved. MR. GROTE'S WORKS. A HISTORY OF GREECE. From the Earliest Period to the close of the Generation contemporary with Alexander the Great. Library Edition. With Portrait, Maps, and Plans. lo Vols, 8vo. I20J. Cabinet Edition. With Portrait and Plans. 12 Vols. Post 8vo. ts, each. PLATO AND OTHER COMPANIONS OF SOKRATES. 3 Vols. 8vo. 45^. ARISTOTLE. Edited by Alexander Bain, LL.D., and G. Ckoo.m Robertson, M.A. 2 Vols. 8vo. yis. LONDON: PUlNTEl) nT WILLIAM CLOWES AND SONP, STAMFORD STREET A-ND CIIABING CROSS. PREFACE. The following work owes its origin to the entreaties addressed to me in 1864-1865, by more than one of our intimate friends, that I would furnish some account of Mr. Grote's early history. Reluctant as I felt to enter upon new literary labours, at an advanced period of life and with very infirm health, I at last yielded to their importunity, and began (in 1866) to collect such old letters and journals as I had preserved, in the view of weaving them into a bio- graphical form.* Being thus occupied on one morning of (I think) the year 1867, Mr. Grote came into the room. " What are you so busy over^ there, H. ? " en- quired he. " Well, I am arranging some materials for a sketch of your life, which I have been urgently invited to write by several of our best friends." " My life," exclaimed Mr. Grote ; " why, there is absolutely nothing to tell ! " * To my own resources were added, in 1872, many valuable documents, for whicli I have to thank Mr. Geo. Warde Norman. Some of them are introduced at the commencement of this volimie, and will be read with interest. a 2 IV PREFACE. " Not in tbe way of adventures, I grant ; but there is something, nevertheless — your Life is the history of a mind." " That is it ! " he rejoined, with animation. " But can yon tell it ? " " It is what I intend to try. You see, unless / give some account of your youth and early manhood, no other hand can furnish the least information con- cerning it." " Nothing can be more certain — you are the only person living who knows anything about me during the first half of my existence." This short colloquy ended, the subject was never renewed between us ; the Historian feeling, as I believe, content to leave his life's story in my hands. Thenceforth, whenever opportunities and strength allowed of my working at the biography, I did so, and the narrative had advanced, in 1870, as far as the year 1820, wdien it was unavoidably laid aside for the space of twelve months. Since the commencement of the year 1872, it has been, slowly, continued, in the intervals of leisure allowed me by my numerous obligations ; though often arrested by attacks of illness. I have given a brief statement of the cause and growth of this modest memoir, to explain to my readers from what motives it came to pass that, not- withstanding the difficulties attending its composi- tion^ r yet had sufficient courage and industry to bring my work to an end. When they learn that PREFACE. V no other pen could have produced it, they will surely accord to this book all the indulgence it needs. These pages contain the portraiture of the indi- vidual man, as far as concerns his course of life, occupations, and aims, during the space of half a century ; the cast of his mind and thoughts being further illustrated by the numerous letters with which I have been enabled to enrich the volume. Of George Grote's intellectual achievements — whether as an Historian, Scholar, Philosopher, or Critic — it is not permitted to an unlearned person to speak with authority. I hope, however, that a more qualified expositor will supply my deficiency in this great field at no distant date. It may be that some apology is necessary for the introduction of so much that is personal to myself. But the truth is, that our two lives ran in one channel, and it would have been difficult to part them in writing this retrospective memoir. H. G. London, March, 1873. CONTENTS. l-AGF, Intboduction — Ancestry — Maternal descent .. .. .. 1 CHAPTEK I. 1794-1810. Birth of George Grote, 1794 — School days — Enters banking- house — Early tastes and studies — Associates — G. W, Nor- man — Introduction to the Lewin family — Amusements — Tendency towards poetical composition — Falls in love — Disappointment — Eesigns hope — Assiduous habits of study — Letters to G. W. Norman . . . . . . . . . . 6 CHAPTER II. 1810-1818. Forms acquaintance with James Mill — Influence of Mill upon Grote's mind — Jeremy Bentham — John Stuart Mill . . . . 9 CHAPTER III. 1818-1820. Accidental meeting with Miss Lewin — His passion revives — Father consents to his marriage on hard conditions — Extracts from diary . . . . . . . . ■ • ■ ■ • • . . 26 CHAPTER IV. 1820-1823. Marriage of George Grote — Residence at the banking-house — Premature birth of son — Mrs. Grote's consequent illness — Grote occupied with subject of early Grecian History — His fondness for music — His proficiency as a violoncello player — • Social habits of Mr. and Mrs. George Grote — Aversion of George Grote to general society , , , . . . , . . . 38 viii CONTENTS. CHAPTER V. 1823-1827. PAGE Laborious habits of bvisiness — Suburban lodgings — Extracts from diary — Eesolves to write a History of Greece — Voyage to Scotland — Tour in the' Highlands — Treatise on logic — Visit to Wilton House — Eeview of Mitford's ' History of Greece '— Niebuhr — His letter to George Grote — Seclusion — Studious industry .. .. .. .. .. .. ..46 CHAPTER VI. 1827-1880. London University projected — Ceremony of laying the first stone by Duke of Sussex — Illness of the elder Grote — Opening of the London University — Movement towards Parliamentary re- forms — ' Westminster Eeview ' — The Kadical press — Studies mental philosophy — Meetings held in connection therewith — Excui-sion to Paris — Eeturn, caused by illness of his father — Death of the latter . . . . , . . . . . , , . . 55 CHAPTER VII. 1830, 1831. Grote becomes the head of the family — Political agitation — The Eevolution of Febrviary — Letter from Horace Say, describing enthusiasm at Paris — Pressure of business, public and private — Accession to power of the Whig party — Grote's second pamphlet on Parliamentary reform .. .. .. ..62 CHAPTER VIII. 1832, 1833. Increased ferment of politics — Eeform Bill rejected by the House of Lords — Letters on the crisis — Grote writes letter to Earl Grey — Announces candidature as Member for the City of London — Address to the electors — Is elected by a large majority — Winter laboui-s, to the prejiidice of the ' History ' — Purchase of residence at Dulwich Wood — The Ballot — Eemarks on the City elections — Death of Jeremy Bentliam — Letter from Joseph Parkes .. .. .. .. ..70 CHAPTER IX. 1833. First session of Eeform Parliament — Maiden speech on the Ballot — Opinions on the speech — Politics uneasy — Tour into Wales — Growing taste for science . . . . . . . . . . 82 CONTENTS. IX CHAPTER X. 1834. PAGE Committee on Sinecures — Break-up of the Ministry — The Appro- priation Clause — Coercion Bill — Dissatisfaction of the Eadicals — Continental tour — The Houses of Parliament consumed by fire 89 CHAPTEE XI. 1835. Dissolution of Parliament — Contest for the City — Grote retui-ned — Letter from Mr. Ward — Fatiguing attendance in Parlia- ment — Sir Eobert Peel's Government — Debates on the Irish Church — The Whig Ministry reinstated — Municipal Cor- porations' reform — Vehement discussions thereon — York Election Committee — Excursion into Derbyshire . . . . 94 CHAPTER XII. 1836, 1837. The ' London Eeview ' — O'Connell — Speech on Irish Municipal Eeform Bill — The Ballot — Death of James JMill — EngUsh Church reform — Dulwich Wood given up — Continental journey — Studies elocution — Agitation on the Ballot — Eadi- cal tactics — Diminution of the Eadical party in Parliament — Canadian discontents — Commercial panic — Death of King William IV 104 CHAPTER XIII. 1837. Third contest for the City — Grote re-elected — Criticism on Grote by * Times ' newspaper — The new Poor-law Act — Angry debates — Lord Durham — Letter of a constituent — Journey to Switzerland — Augmenting influence of the Tory party — Eesidence in London commenced — Trip to Portsmouth — American acquaintance — Lord John Eussell's finality speech — Pension list — Committee .. .. .. .. ..114 CHAPTER XIV. 1838. Debates on Canada rebellion — Prominent part taken by Grote in Opposition — Ballot debate — Mr. George C. Lewis — Mr. John Austin — Letter of Grote to that gentleman, at Malta — Works X CONTENTS. PAGE of Thomas Hobbes — Sir William Moleswortli — Letter of Grote accejiting dedication of Hobbes's -works — Acquisition of property at East Burnham . . . . . . . . . . 125 CHAPTER XV. 1839, 1^0. Ballot — Debate languidly maintained — Carlow Election Com- mittee, sitting eleven weeks — Tour in Belgium — Holland House — Excursion to North of England — Letter to Mr. George C. Lewis — Mistakes of Lord Brougham as a scholar — Visit to Sir William Molesworth in Cornwall — Letter concerning Aristotle 131 CHAPTER XVI. 1841. Speech on the Syi-ian question in House of Commons — Excellence of same — Dean of Durham requests Grote to assist him in his work on the History of the Church — Grote complies — Eigo- rous cold of 1841 — Attendance in Parliament onerous in con- sequence — General Election — Grote declines to stand again for the City — Efforts of Whig party to maintain ascendency — Their failure 138 CHAPTER XVII. 1841, 1842. Sir Eobert Peel's Ministry established — Journey to Italy projected — Letter fi-om IVIrs. Grote to Mr. Senior — Mr. and Sirs. Grote join each other on the Khine, and proceed to make their journey together — Incidents of travel described — Eeturn to England — The ' History of Greece ' resumed, and scheme of work matm-ed, at Burnham Beeches — Eeview of ' Early Grecian Legends ' in ' Westminster Eeview ' . . . . . . 143 CHAPITER XVni. 1843, 1844. Grote retires from the banking-house — Letter of adieu from the clerks — Second journey to Pencai-row — Animated character of the Society and conversation there — Grote travels to London to poll for James Pattison — He returns to Pencarrow — Letter to CONTENTS. XI PAGE Professor Boeckh — Trip to Paris — Auguste Comte — Musical attractions of London season — Excursion to Yorkshire and Durham 153 CHAPTER XIX. 1845. 1846. The first two volumes of the ' History ' sent to press — Kissingen waters — Meeting with Jenny Lind — Success of the ' History ' — Letter from Henry Hallam .. .. .. .. .. 160 CHAPTER XX. 1846. 1847. Hospitalities at Burnham Beeches — Uniformity of daily life and studies — Tour in Normandy — Chfiteau de Tocqueville — Cherbourg — The Grote children — Poor-law Commission — Letter to Lewis — Eemoval to London — The third and fourth volumes published — Musical stars — Letter from Bishop Thirlwall 170 CHAPTER XXI. 1847. Swiss politics — Grote visits Switzerland alone — Letter from Zurich to Mrs. Grote — Felix Mendelssohn — Letter to Lewis — Letters from Switzerland pviblished — Letter from Sarah Austin .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 175 CHAPTER XXII. 1848. 1849. Portentous aspect of French politics — The Eevolution of February — Eemoval to residence in Savile Eow — Unusual seductions offered by the musical world — Jenny Lind — Grote's interest in the new French Eepublic — Appearance of the fifth and sixth volumes — Letter to Lewis — Death of Charles Buller re- gretted 183 CHAPTER XXIII. 1849. 1850. Windsor Castle — Earl of Liverpool at the Beeches — Letter to Lewis, with reflections on his own work — Visit to Paris — xu CONTENTS. PAGB Dinner at the English Embassy — The seventh and eighth volumes of the 'History' appear — Letters to Lewis — East Burnham given up . . . . . . . . . . . . . , 189 CHAPTER XXIV. 1851. Visit to Grove Mill — Letter from Mrs. Grote to Mr. Senior — The Great Exhibition in Hyde Park — Leon Faucher — Success of the ' History ' — Learned letter from Grote to Lewis — Mrs. Grote goes to Paris — The coup d'etat of the 2nd December — Eeport of dialogue in the Chamber — Letter to Mrs. Grote from G. Grote 199 CHAPTER XXV. 1852, 1853. Publication of ninth and tenth volumes of the ' History ' — Letters to Lewis — Holidays passed at Ville d'Avray — Grote embarks in farming — History Hut — Appearance of the eleventh volume of ' History ' — Eemarks — Is offered Oxford honours — Effect produced on Grote's mind by visit to Oxford .. .. 209 CHAPTER XX VL 1853-1855. Letter of Von Schon to Varnhagen von Ense — Party at History Hut — Farming operations actively prosecuted in Lincolnshire — Letter on Eoman History — The twelfth volume of ' History ' commenced — Letter of condolence to Sir G. C. Lewis on death of his father — Visit to Hampton Court, &c., — Grote's intellec- tual labours— Fatigue — Final pages of the ' History of Greece ' sent to press . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . 217 CHAPTER XXVII. 1856. Letter from Sir G. C. Lewis on twelfth volume — From Bishop of St. David's, and from Mr. Bancroft, on same — Journey to South of France — The Kiviera — North Italy — Return, via Heidelberg — Baron de Bunsen — Review of 'History' in the ' Quarterly Review ' — Satisfaction thereat expressed by Author 225 CONTENTS. Xlll CHAPTER XXVIir. 1857. PAGE Visit to Bowood — M. de Tocqiieville — Letters to Sir G. C. Lewis — Excursion in North of England — Letter to J. S. Mill — Letter to Sir G. C. Lewis on Banking Committee . . . . 233 CHAPTER XXIX. 1858-1860. The " Club " — Stratagem used to obtain Grote's consent to join it — His subseqiient relish for the meetings — History Hut sold — Mr. Hallam — Summer at St. Germain en Lays — Grote's views of political condition of French people — Winter residence established at Eeigate — Bowood — Occupation at " Barrow Green " commenced — Chevening — The wliist table — Conversation respecting recent events in Southern Italy — " The Papacy having a durable tenure," &c. . . . . . . 240 CHAPTER XXX. 1861. Life at Barrow Green — "Spitz" companionship — Declines to serve on commission of inquiry ; giving reasons — Grote's un- wholesome habits — His illness in consequence — Eestoration to health — Mr. Charles Austin — Visit to Hampton Court — Degerando — anecdote concerning — Death of Prince Albert . . 250 CHAPTER XXXI. 1862. Declines journey to Greece — Letter to Sir G. C. Lewis on his " Ancient Astronomy " — Tedworth — Vice-Chancellorship of University of London accepted by Grote — The Exliibition at South Kensington — Bowood visit — Prediction of the Marquis of Lansdowne — Bishop Colenso's book — Letter on American Civil War — Letter to Mill — Grote's last letter to Sir G. C. Lewis .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 257 CHAPTER XXXTL 1863. Death of Sir G. C. Lewis — Grief for his loss felt by Grote — Visit to Professor Arthur P. Stanley, at Christ Church — Barrow Green residence given up — Excursion to Switzerland — Paris — Tedworth 265 xiv CONTENTS. CHAPTER XXXIII. 1864, 1865. VAC, E Grote elected Foreign Member of French Institute — Letters on the occasion — Cottage purchased in Surrey — Trip to Paris — The Marmor Homericuvi — The ' Plato ' printed — Mrs. Grote's illness — Baden-Baden — The v,'ork on 'Aristotle' commenced — University of London — Its rising importance — Review by Grote of Mill's book upon Sir William Hamilton .. .. 271 CHAPTEE XXXIV. 1866. University College — Chair of Logic — Grote's active resistance to appointment of Mr. Martineau — Trip to Portsmouth — Election of Lord Eector for University of Aberdeen .. .. .. 279 CHAPTER XXXV. 1867. Letterto Professor Boeckh — Endeavours made to uphold the study of Greek in University of London — Grote's anxiety on this point — His assiduoxis labours upon mental philosophy — Con- tributions to Professor Bain's work . . , . . . . . 285 CHAPTEE XXXVI. 1868. Activity of Grote's intellect, to the extent of injuring his health — Mrs. Grote's apprehensions on this head — The ' De Anima ' completed — Letter, with same, to Mr. Bain — General elec- tion — Mr. Lowe returned for University of London — Edward Gibbon — Admiration of that writer expressed by Grote . . 291 CHAPTEE XXXVII. 1869. Battle of Marathon, critical remarks on, contested by Field-Marshal Sir W. Gomm — Change in Grote's health — He is ordered to Homburg — Paris — The break loose of the Parisian press — Grote's sympathy with it — Eeason for this feeling — M. Thiers — The " Coming Eepublic " discussed freely in Paris — Eeturn in improved health — Eeceives the offer of a Peerage — Declines acceptance — Eeasons assigned in letter to the Prime Minister — Eeflections .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 298 CONTENTS. XV CHAPTEE XXXVIII. 1870. PAGR University of London — Dr. Cari)entcr — The Ballot likely to be carried in Parliament — Altered views of the Historian in reference to tliis measure — His opinion of the actual House of Commons — Mournful i^resages concerning Ireland — Republican sentiments — America — Example of political imperfections oflfered by the late civil conflict — Olympia Colonna : her trans- lation of Greek History — Opening of the University of London by the Queen — The Chancellor's address — Eulogy on the oflBcers of the Establisliment — Grote sits for his portrait to Mr. Millais — Excursion into the Middle Counties — Chats- worth — The Franco-German war — Indications of declining strength — Tendency to sleepiness — Final sitting to artist on 30th. November — Grote seized with a chill in the studio — Its consequences apparently dissipated after returning to the Eidgeway — Attends meeting of the Senate to resist Mr. Hutton's motion, on 14th December — Signs of serious derangement in health become discernible .. .. .. .. .. ..311 CHAPTER XXXIX. 1871. Historian submits to medical treatment — His disorder gains upon him — His mode of life during its progress — Takes occasional drives in carriage — Decline of Mrs. Grote's hopes of his re- storation — Eapid change in June, followed by his death on 18th of that month 325 Portrait . . . . . . , . . . . . to face Title-page. Fac-SIMILE .. .. .. .. .. .. ,, Parie 1 1 ^ X ^ ^ i ^ ^ ^ S: ^ PEESONAL LIFE GEOEGE GEOTE INTKODUCTION. The grandfather of George Grote, the Historian of Greece, born in 1710, came over towards the middle of the eighteenth century from Bremen, where his family (forming part of the burgher class) had long resided. He brought a small amount of capital with him, and some introductions to merchants established in England, carrying on relations with the Continental houses. Mr. Andreas (or Andrew) Grote founded an agency business, in connection with some of his countrymen, in Leadenhall Street, under the firm of Kruger and Grote. Finding that he prospered as a general merchant, he, after a few years, resolved to set another " shop " a-going, and accordingly purchased spacious premises near the Eoyal Exchange, in which — entering into joint partnership with Mr. George Prescott — the Banking-house of " Grote, Prescott, and Com- pany " was established, on January 1st, a.d. 1766. Mr. Andrew Grote married, at St. Paul's Cathedral, in 1745, Miss Ann Adams, a lady of good family in Oxford- shire, with whom he acquired a considerable fortune. Her brother, dying without issue in 1795, left to her son by Andrew Grote all his landed property in that county, in- cluding a residence called Badgemore, near Henley-on- Thames. By Miss Adams Mr. Grote had only this one child, named B 2 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Introd. Joseph (born in 1748), whom he brought up to mercantile occupations, sending him to Holland and other countries to acquire a competent knowledge of European dealings, and the modes of carrying on correspondence in various tongues. When qualified to enter the father's counting-house, young Joseph Grote was duly installed in Leadenhall Street, where he became a thriving merchant, his father devoting his attention chiefly to the management of the banking-house in Threadneedle Street. He " kept house " for his business purposes in Leadenhall Street, where, in after times, his son Joseph also lived when in London. Mrs. Grote died in 1757, and in 1760 Mr. Grote took to wife a Miss Mary Anne Culverden. By this lady he had a large family, three sons and six daughters. He resided for the most part at a house called "The Point House," on the summit of Greenwich Hill, command- ing a noble prospect of the river Thames and the City of London. Some twenty years since, the house was still in good condition, and presented the appearance of an opu- lent merchant's residence ; it was enclosed within gates, and shaded by lofty trees, having a spacious garden at- tached. Here Mr. Grote brought up his numerous children ; living in good style ; causing his own and his wife's por- traits to be painted by Sir Joshua Reynolds; keeping several men-servants, carriages, and so forth, and culti- vating the society of his own class with suitable hospitality. The eldest son of the second marriage, George, born 1762, was the father of the future historian of Greece. He was placed at the Charterhouse School, where he continued imtil he reached the age fitted to enter into the banking-house, into which he was introduced, as a junior, about the year 1779 or 1780. Other sons were born after George, but none of them lived long. Several daughters were also born, who grew up. Mr. Andrew Grote. was in all respects a true representative of the English merchant of the period. Although a foreigner by birth, he took on the character of the English gentleman Introd. MR. GROTE'S ANCESTORS. 3 with complete ease. His mind and views of things were remarkably free from foreign bias ; and his letters, of which a considerable number are preserved, indicate excellent sense, together with a thoroughly virtuous and lofty tone of moral sentiment. Indeed, some of his letters addressed to his son Joseph, during the apprenticeship abroad of the latter, deserve to be printed and read by the young men of our own days. They would form a striking contrast to the letters of the Earl of Chesterfield, written to his son, under circumstances wholly dissimilar ; the two series exhibiting the aspects of human conduct, as taken from the respective points of view of the nobleman and the merchant of the eighteenth century. I here present the reader with a sample of Mr. Andrew Grote's letters, as affording an insight into his character : — Letter to Joseph Gkotb, at Bremen, from Andkew Grote. London, 11th March, 1767. My dear Son, Joseph Grote, — I come now to answer more at large your letter of the 28th ult°. My gout is not quite gone, tho' on the mending hand ; hope when wanner weather comes in it will quite leave me. As to your departure to Amsterdam, it must remain fixed for the latter end of April, unless any very bad weather should set in, or that you can fix with agreeable Travelling Company, in such case a week or a fortnight must not be minded. I had a letter last post from my Brother, in which he begs hard that you might stay till Winter, because they seem to like your Company, and that you was young enough forsooth ! all which I take to be meant for a Bremen compliment ; but surely I must know better what is proper to be done for you than they, and I must insist on your coming away and not to mind their foolish compliments. You know that you have been almost a year longer at Bremen than what I at first proposed, and therefore you can not stay longer at Amsterdam than about a year and a half, instead of two years ; especially if you intend to stay half a year at Bordeaux, for I should be glad you came home just before you are of age. And then, if you have improved your time, as I hope you will, T shall be very glad to set you up in business here while I live, which will be best for you on many accounts. You may be very B 2 4 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. ;, Intbod. sure that I sliall study and act for your best, and do all that lays in my power to establish you in my own business, as soon as pos- sible ; but then, you must co-operate with me and act according to my plan, as well as improve your time in every place you are. I apprehend you will have a great deal of business to do when you come to Amsterdam. Messrs. C. Munch and Westrik are a good deal in the di-ug trade, which is a considerable branch of my busi- ness here. You must endeavour to improve more and more in your handwriting, and especially to learn the quality of drugs and other goods which your masters may deal in; to calculate dif- ferences in exchanges, and make calculations of goods, &c. &c., so that you see you will not have too much time on your hands in Holland, and it would be but wasting of time, should you now stay any longer at Bremen. My partner in the Banking business, George Prescott, Esquire, has his eldest Son at Amsterdam in the compting-house of Messrs. Hope and Company. You may wait on him after you have been a little while at Amsterdam, and if he is a good, sober young gentleman, make an acquaintance with him, but if he is gay and giddy, you may see him seldom. . . . I am, with true aflfection, My dear Son, Your ever Loving Father, Andrew Grote. Mr. George Grote, being then a partner in the banking- house of Grote and Prescott, married, in 1793, the daughter of Doctor Peckwell, a reverend divine, endowed with a handsome person and talents of a somewhat superior quality. These advantages brought him into notice, and attracted the favour of the Countess of Huntingdon, who appointed Dr. Peckwell one of her chaplains.* * The origin of this designation (which gradually included a good number of clergymen of the Church of England, George Whitfield among the rest) as related to me by Lady William Russell, who had the statement from the late Marquis of Lans- downe, was this : Lady Huntingdon having built a church or chapel, wished to have it consecrated ; the Bishop made it a con- dition of his performing that ceremony, that he should exercise some sort of control over the character of the doctrines therein Introd. maternal DESCENT. 5 He was presented, by Lord Eobert ^ranners, to the living of Bloxham, in Lincolnshire, but he never rose to any higher ecclesiastical dignity than the honour above mentioned. Dr. Peckwell's wife was of French origin. Her maternal ancestors, named De Blosset, came from the Touraine, in consequence of the revocation of the edict of Nantes, soon after the year 1685, and they passed into Ireland, purchasing estates there in the county of Meath. The chief portion of them had belonged to the Earl of Fingal, whose estates were confiscated after the battle of the Boyne. The De Blossets had connections of long date with French families of distinction ; among others, with that of Sir John Chardin, the Oriental traveller, and likewise, as it is said, with that of Corneille, the poet. One of their relatives, of the name of St. Leger, would seem to have held office about the court of Henry II. An elegant ewer and salver, in silver- gilt, understood to have become his perquisite on some State occasion, is still in the possession of the Grote family.* inculcated. Lady Huntingdon, who was of the Evangelical cast of religious views, demurred to this. The Bishop insisting on his supervision. Lady Huntingdon asked the advice of Mr. Erskine, whose sister — Lady Anne Erskine — resided with her, and who went to her brother to inquire his opinion for the Countess. Mr. Erskine told her that her rank authorised her to nominate her own chaplains, and that they would lawfully officiate as such in chapels not consecrated by the Bishoj), She built several accordingly, and appointed her " Chaplains " to them, thus evading the " condition." * The story preserved in the family was, that this ewer and salver had served, at the bai)tism of Francis the First, to hold the water used for that rite, and that M. de St. Leger retained the vessel as his official perquisite. Q PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. I. CHAPTEE I. 1791-1810. Mr. George Grote, on his marriage with Miss Selina Peckwell (so named after her godmother, the Countess of Himtingdon), had settled at Clay Hill, near Beckenham in Kent, about ten miles from London, where, on the 17th of November in the year 1794, his son George, the subject of this memoir, was born, and was duly christened in his father's drawing-room at Beckenham ; his sponsors being his uncle Mr. Sergeant Peckwell (afterwards Blosset), his uncle Joseph Grote, and his aunt Sarah. It was the custom in those days to celebrate the rite of baptism in the house of the parents. In the month of June, 1800, — and consequently, therefore, when the little George was only five years and a half old, — JMr. Grote was induced by the expressed wish of his wife to send the child to school, to the Reverend Mr. Whitehead's, then Master of the Grammar School at Sevenoaks. Mrs. Grote had already taught him to read and write at home, and had even grounded him in the rudiments of Latin ; she having a strong desire to see her son excel in learning. Mr. Lambard, of Sevenoaks, was a friend of the family, and Mrs. Grote preferred Sevenoaks school on account of Mr. Lam- bard's residing close by, and being thus available for the boy's protection and care, should sickness or accident over- take him. At this school the future Historian continued during four years : he evinced a decided aptitude for study, being rarely found behindhand with his tasks, and ranking habitually above boys of his age in the class to which he belonged. In the holidays his mother caused him to devote a portion 1794-lSlO. SCHOOL DAYS. 7 of his time to his lessons, to which habit, however, he never showed, or indeed felt, any reluctance. At the age of ten young Grote was transferred to the Charterhouse, where he remained for six years. The head master of that day was Dr. Matthew Kaine, a man of recognised ability as a schoolmaster, and of some distinction as a scholar. There were also at Charterhouse, during these years, some boys of more than average talent and especial capacity for acquiring Latin and Greek, whilst Dr. Raine applied his best faculties to the forwarding of these studies ; so that young Grote was favourably placed for advancing in the path of learning, between clever competition on the one hand, and encouraging assistance from the master on the other. Among the pupils of Dr. Raine at this period, some were forward in the studies predominant in public schools, and indeed became eminent in mature life. George Waddington, Connop Thirl wall, H. Havelock (the soldier), Creswell Creswell, and a few others, were the familiar companions of George Grote's youthful days ; the one whom he especially preferred, and with whom he main- tained an affectionate intimacy throughout his after life, being George Waddington, the late Dean of Durham. During the six years that he passed at the Charterhouse, I believe that George Grote never got a flogging for any shortcomings in his performance of his tasks, though, in common with his fellows, he fell under Dr. Raine's rod in his turn for boyish offences, such as straying beyond the prescribed limits out of school hours. Indeed he actually underwent this punishment along with his friends Waddington and others, on the eve of quitting the school, and when he was almost at the head of it, viz. in 1810 ; the occasion being that Grote had given a farewell supper to his schoolmates at the ' Albion Tavern ' in Aldersgate Street, where (as was natural under the circumstances) they had all indulged in somewhat ample potations. Such was school discipline early in the nine- teenth centurv. 8 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. T. On leaving Charterhouse, with strong leanings towards intellectual culture, which would have been more suit- ably fostered by his entering upon academic life, George Grote was required by his father to devote himself to the banking business in Threadneedle Street. Accordingly, at the early age of sixteen, he commenced that profession which he steadily pursued for thirty-two years, notwith- standing the distractions of a public nature which overtook him in 1830, and which, as will hereafter be seen, compelled him to enter the political arena whilst still an active member of the banking-house of Prescott, Grote, and Company. 1810-1818. HIS FATHEE. CHAPTEE II. 1810-1818. Mr. Andrew Grote, the founder of the firm, died in 1788, and his remains were deposited within the walls of the Dutch Church in Austin Friars, His first wife had been laid there in 1757, and to the best of my belief the bones of these worthy progenitors repose there still, a slab with name and date covering their graves. His second wife was buried in Greenwich Church, in the year 1787. Mr. Andrew Grote prospered in his undertakings so well, that he became a man of substance and was able to leave his daughters, six in number, fortunes far above the average of English gentlemen's younger children, — I believe as much as 20,O0OZ. to 25,000?. apiece. His eldest son Joseph inherited the commercial position in Leadenhall Street, together with a landed estate in Lin- colnshire, which Mr. Andrew Grote originally acquired in the shape of a mortgage, but which fell to him in default of its being redeemed. Mr. Joseph Grote also became possessed, some time after his father's death, of a good estate in Oxfordshire, with a comfortable residence situated near to Henley-on-Thames, which, as has already been stated, his uncle Mr. Adams bequeathed to him. Mr. George Grote, the only surviving son by Miss Culverden, inherited from his father but little besides the share of the banking-house, whilst his wife brought in the first instance only a few thousand pounds to the family fund. He succeeded however to all the landed property of his elder brother Joseph in the year 1814, and thus found himself amply provided for. Mr. George Grote's tastes led him to prefer country life, being fond of hunting, shooting, and exercise generally. He was a justice of peace for both Kent and Oxfordshire, and acted 10 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. U. habitually as such. He likewise served the office of High Sheriff for each of these counties in turn. Cultivating a lar<^e ftirm at both of his two residences, and dividing his time between Beckenham and Badgemore, he passed very little of it in Threadneedle Street, where however he kept a small establishment, and where he often entertained his male friends when he was staying in town. The management of the banking-house chiefly devolved upon the other partners, of whom one was a Mr. Culverden (an uncle by the mother's side), and another a Mr. HoUings- worth, besides Mr. William Willoughby Prescott, grandson of Mr. Prescott the founder (along with Andrew Grote) of that banking-house. Both Culverden and Hollingsworth, however, were found undesirable colleagues, and they ceased to belong . to the firm in 1802. Mr. Grote's family growing in numbers, he had placed his eldest son in business, in order that he might begin to win his own way in the world early, and at the same time might take "the labouring oar" at the banking-house, and fami- liarise himself with the commercial world. Add to this, that he had no sympathy with learning, and that although people spoke of his son as being forward in it, he felt no inclination to promote the young George's intellectual turn of mind at the expense of giving him a college training ; whilst, on the other hand, he was glad to obtain the services of his son in the business. Accordingly, at the early age of sixteen, and indeed some- what under it, young George Grote began (as has already been stated) the career of a banker.* * " I hope and I believe that the administrators of University College will succeed in diflfusing among the public of London larger ideas on the proper measui-c of a citizen's education — in correcting that mistaken impatience with which parents, often under no pressure of necessity, abridge those years requisite for their son's complete education, and hurry him into professional life a half-educated man." — Address to University College, 1st July, 1846, hy George Grote, Esq. 1810-1818. ENTERS THE BANKING HOUSE. 11 He lived with his father ; tlmt is to say, his fatlier's house was his home. When he stayed iu London, it was in Thread- needle Street that he resided, and, whilst Mr. Grote was in Oxfordshire (usually from September until April), such was his regular habit, diversified by visits to Badgemore at intervals. During his family's residence at Beckenham, George used to pass the greater part of the week with them. He dined and slept at Clay Hill, riding to London daily (bating occasional exceptions) with his father, and riding back, ten miles, to dinner. Youug George was accus- tomed to go over a good deal of ground on foot also, besides the exercise of riding twenty miles per day. In those days, the junior members of the firm had to go forth, along with what was called " the walk clerk," carrying the various " bills " for presentation, a duty involving some two or three hours of walking exercise. On the evening of the days when it was necessary for him to stay in the City, to "lock up," George occupied him- self principally with study. He had contracted a strong taste for the classics at Charterhouse, and felt prompted to culti- vate them on quitting the scene of his boyish training. He was at the same time sensible to the charm of music, and frequented the concerts of the Philharmonic Society (then newly established), which made a pleasant variety in his City routine. He began to learn the violoncello, too, towards the year 1815, and on that instrument he frequently accompanied his mother, who was a fair musician, and they played Handel's compositions in the family circle with pleasure and good effect. Again, young George addressed himself to the study of the German language, under the tuition of Dr. Schwabe, a minister of the Lutheran Church (in Alie Street, Goodman's Fields). At that period very few young men (and scarcely any women, of course) knew German, and it furnished evidence of earnest devotion to literary pursuits when George Grote gave up his leisure hours, few as they were, to its acquisition. From the year 1812 up to the year 1815, the young 12 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. IL banker's life revolved in a sufficiently prosaic circle ; working steadily at the banking-house, partaking sparingly of amuse- ments of a social character, and devoting the greater portion of his leisure to reading and meditating upon subjects of an instructive cast. Among these, political economy, history, and metaphysics occupied the leading interest in his mind. To the first of these sciences he had been attracted by the writings of Mr. David Ricardo, with whom personally he afterwards became acquainted (in 1817) and whose conversation possessed a potent charm for him. It so happened that, during the years of George Grote's early manhood, the interior of his father's family was clouded over by the particular cast of mind of Mrs. Grote, whose extreme Calvinistic tenets indisposed her to receive visitors, or to enter into society, except such as reflected her own strong religious sentiments. Mr. Grote himself was nowise averse to social intercourse, and would willingly have opened his house to hospitalities, both at Clay Hill and Badgemore, had Mrs. Grote shared his impulses in that direction. But she manifested so much repugnance towards the guests who came at her husband's invitation to the house that, at the period now treated of, there was almost an interdict upon all domestic entertainments, whether at Clay Hill or in Oxford- shire. The effect of this was to cause Mr. Grote to shut himself up in his own thoughts, holding but slender com- munion with his wife on any subject, but allowing her to govern her children and household in her own way, for the sake of peace and quiet. He reserved, however, to himself the choice of the children's place of education, which up to 1820 was, for his sons, uniformly the Charterhouse. Society, accordingly, young Grote had to seek outside his family circle, and fortunately for him there was more than one house in the neighbourhood of Beckenham wherein he found not only agreeable company and cordial welcome, but also intellectual sympathy and encouragement. The domestic atmosphere in which he was fated to pass his lil'e had, besides 1810-1818. HIS EARLY FRIENDS. 13 its dulness and vapidity^ so positively disheartening a quality — tending to quench every spark of mental activity and ambition — that it might perfectly well have dried up the springs of young Grote's genius and talent, had not accident brought him into contact with associates fired with a similar craving for mental progress, and capable of stimulating his emulation and rivalry.* Of this number, the earliest of young Grote's friendships after he left school, was one with Mr. George Warde Norman, son of a merchant in the Norway trade, in good business in the City of London, and having his family residence about three miles from Mr. Grote's at Clay Hill. George W. Norman, who was about two years senior to George Grote, had been at Eton, and whilst he gave a steady assistance to his father in the conduct of their business in London, had taken pains with himself after leaving school, feeling a lively interest in letters and politics. Although, as was the case with his friend, but slender encouragement was * George Grote's letters to his friends teem with lamentations over the wearisome obligations to which his father subjected him, in the shape of stujnd evenings passed in Threadneedle Street with the City friends, over the bottle, &e. His Diaries, up to 1820, reveal similar complaints. " My studies on other subjects have not lately been so regular as they might have been. A routine of business which stupifies the mind (affigit liumi divinae particulam aurae), and engagements, if possible, more stupid still, fill up nearly the whole measure of my occupations. A numerous family and the present artificial state of society absolutely imprison me to such an extent, that I can enjoy but very little solitude. And it is dull and wretched to the last degree to a mind which has a glimpse of a nobler sphere of action, to witness the total exclusion of intellect which disgraces general conversation. ' miseras hominum meiites ! pectora co ca ! Qualibus in ienehris vitae, quantisque periclis Degitur hoc aevi, quodcunque est ! ' In my present frame of mind I could preach for hours on the subject of those noble lines of Lucretius." — Extract from Letter to G. W. Norman, April, 1817. 14 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. IL afibrded to such tastes by the family at Bromley Common, Mr. Norman, the father, esteemed the occupation of study in his son, being himself very fond of reading. Now both these young men, whilst strongly partial to study, shared the inclination common to their age and condition for exercise and sport, and took lively pleasure in cricket, which game was ardently pursued at tliat period by the inhabitants of West Kent generally. The gentry habitually joined with persons of the middle class to form " clubs " for practice, and during the summer months there were frequent "matches" played in private parks and grounds, when numerous spectators came to look on and encourage the players by their presence. All the " belles " of the neighbourhood came to these matches, which usually ended in a merry social evening, with dancing. The neighbourhood happened to be, just at the time I am writing of, full of young people of both sexes. Perhaps it would have been difficult to find twenty-five couples of dancers wherein beauty, grace, and form were so largely present as in these Kentish meetings of 1814-1820. The Barnards, the Normans, the Edens, the Berens, the Stones, Jenners, and Lewins ; the Johnstons, the Wells, the Townshends, the Whitmores, the Cators, and others, furnished forth their attractive contingents ; while the parents of the young people, mostly of middle age, and still full of relish for festive enjoy- ments, amused themselves by looking on, and peradventure scrutinizing the relations growing up among the " lads and lasses " in the intervals of the game. Cricket, and an occasional ball in the winter months, were the sole diversions enjoyed by young George Grote at this stage of his career ; but they were enjoyed with eager relish, and served to vary the complexion of his life, which else had been sufficiently monotonous. With George W. Norman he kept up a steady intellectual and intimate intercourse, and the advantage of such a com- panion at the age when the character is forming cannot be too highly estimated. They read books in common, chieflv 1810-1818. CAST OF STUDIES. 15 on historical and political subjects, and they both applied themselves seriously to the science of Political Economy, then coming into something like '•' vogue " among the rising generation, as being a proper object of study. Presently, another companion became the sharer of these pursuits, viz. Mr. Charles Cameron, son of the ex-Governor of the Bahamas and of Lady Margaret Cameron, daughter of the Earl of Errol. He lived a good deal with his family (they residing in tlie neighbourhood of Bromley), though he himself was studying for the Englisli Bar. Charles Cameron's mind was at once vigorous and subtle, delighting in dialectic exercise, wherein he excelled as a disputant, for he was much given to the study of mental science generally. The intercourse with this young man, of nearly the same age as himself (perhaps a year or two older), which George Grote maintained, as well in London as in Kent, served to whet his relish for intellectual labour, whilst the searching analytic turn of Cameron's mind led his friend into that channel of inquiry which almost inevitably conducts the traveller beyond the limits of orthodoxy. Metaphysics now took hold of Grote with considerable fervour, and, between discussions and study, the three friends advanced far in their acquaintance with this tempting branch of knowledge. Grote's mind had, from the beginning, a pronounced tendency to the poetic and imaginative vein. Norman was not without a certain sympathy for the sentimental class of literature, and he encouraged Grote in his faculty of poetical composition, which, at this period, really was incontestable. Cameron, however, acted more strongly upon the sterner qualities of his friend's intellect, and his example and con- versation rather served to exalt the severer exercises in his esteem, whilst they insensibly damped the literary and sen- timental cast of his thought and fancy. Cameron thus conducted Grote, as it were a stage, on the great path of development, both of character and objects of study. Arrived at the age of manhood (that is to say, in the winter of 1814 and 1815), he became acquainted with a 16 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. IL young lady whose family lived some six or seven miles from Beckenliam, and to which family he was introduced by his friend G. W. Norman, himself already long accustomed to frequent their house. Towards Miss Harriet Levvin, George Grote soon contracted a sentiment of the tenderest kind, which in the summer of 1815 assumed the character of an ardent and profound passion. It so happened that he was discouraged from imparting to Miss Lewin the feelings of his soul, by the intervention of a Mr. E., a reverend gentleman of some fortune residing in the district, who exercised over George Grote a powerful in- fluence, on account of his literary tastes, and his acknow- ledged reputation as a classical scholar and critic. With this person George Grote was in the habit of communicating unreservedly, on all subjects, and as he placed entire con- fidence in him, he had no reason to doubt the truth of a certain piece of information which E. gave him relative to Miss Lewin. This consisted in an affirmation that he knew it as a fact that her heart and hand were engaged to another man. Of course this was equivalent to the extinguishing of George Grote's hopes, and he accordingly took it as such, with the poignant anguish which naturally attends dis- appointments of this kind. His father perceiving a change in his son's manner, ques- tioned him as to the cause, and on learning what had taken place obtained a promise from George that he would never propose marriage to any woman without the parental sanction. And the young man, esteeming the pursuit of Miss Lewin as entirely hopeless, gave the required promise without much hesitation. Miss Lewin had left the neighbourhood on the very day on which E., aware of the fact, made the unwarranted communication to his young friend as above narrated. She accompanied her father on a yachting expedition from Southampton, where he always kept the cutter in summer, to Devonshire, and Miss Lewin was staying with Mr. and Mrs. Du Pre Porcher (he was M.P. for Old Sarum at 1810-1818. DISAPPOINTMENT IN LOVE. 17 this time), at Torquay, when the news of E.'s treachery reached her. She did not return home for a week or two after receiving them, but so soon as she was once more on the scene of this disagreeable affair, Mr. E.'s conduct was unveiled by the disclosure which the Lewiu lamily found it necessary to make, of his having, for several mouths previous, endeavoured to prevail on Miss Lewin to receive his own addresses. The annexed letters from Mr. G. W. Norman will serve to throw additional light upon this web of mischief: — London, August, 1815. My dear George, — Events crowd on each other with such rapidity that the suggestions which ariso one day are contradicted by those of the succeeding. I have just read the enclosed, on which I have no time to make any comments, as the gig is now at the door to convey me to Trent Park. The Lewins are at home, and I shall ride over on Sunday. E. is a villain; and Harriet completely exculpated. You will observe that what I wrote you, on the 29th was E.'s own statement of his conduct conveyed through Harenc, who always tells him that his behaviour has been foolish in the highest degree, but he is ignorant of the base part he (E.) has played. Write to me as soon as possible. Your sincere friend, George Warde Norman. Bromley Common, September, 1815. My dear George, — A variety of accidents, comprehending a severe cold, have prevented my seeing any of the Lewins since my last letter to you, and consequently from obtaining any farther information concerning E.'s conduct, or the course they are pursuing to coun- teract his insidious reports, and to obtain a retractation of his base assertions; but as there is one inquiry in your letter to which I can give a very satisfactory answer, I shall not hesitate troubling you with these few lines. You inquire what motive actuated the reverend gentleman's conduct to you, just as if you did not know that jealousy was one of the most powerful passions of our nature, and, if not properly coerced, the most malignant. * « * * Your pledge to your father being unconditional, and irrevocable 18 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. II. without his ijermission, I would by no means advise you to resume yoiu" suit without his approbation, which surely will not be refused if he finds that your future happiness depends upon it. I hope your return will not be put off beyond next week, as I long to see and talk to you. When the truth came to be known, George Grote appealed to his father to release him from the pledge lie had been in- duced to trive. But Mr. Grote at once forbade him to enter- tain any project of a matrimonial kind ; alleging his youth, and the inconvenience which he, Mr. Grote, would feel in sacrificing so much of his income to set up a second "manage" in the family. As George was dependent on his father, there remained no alternative for him but to bow to this stem decree, and relinquish all intercourse with the Lewin family. The course of this connection thus painfully and abruptly broken, George Grote ceased to cherish any hope of renew- ing it, and endeavoured, with even added industry, to occupy his thoughts with various kinds of study and with the society of his chosen friends. I here insert portions of letters which will serve to show with what persistent fondness he clung to the pursuit of knowledge, even under circumstances the most disheartening ; for the business in which he was the chief working member, viz. the banking-house, was at this period rendered at once fatiguing and unprofitable, owing to the widespread embar- rassment of the financial world, the grave alarm of the nation in reference to the diseased condition of the currency, and the frequent bankruptcies among the City merchants. George Grote's letters contain the most dismal forebodings and anxieties on this head, but I suppress these passages to avoid prolixity. (t. Grote to G. W. Norman. 2rj(h June, 1816. * * * From England, in 1816, it is delightful to retire, even t o Italy in its most disorganized periods. I have not yet arrived at Sismoudi's second volimie, as I have employed myself in deducing lSlO-1818. inSTORICAL TASTES. 19 a short narrative of Italian transactions, from the invasion of the Lombards. I have brought it down as far as Conrad the Salic, and shall probably continue it to the Peace of Worms, in 1122, which settled the quarrel of investitures. The steps by which the Italian cities acquired independence, while those in other countries were in the lowest state of degradation, appeared to me a subject so curious and interesting, that I determined to study it attentively ; for I have always found that, in order to make myself master of a sub- ject, the best mode was to sit down and give an account of it to myself.* I am at present, however, quite tired of writing, and shall be extremely well pleased when I arrive at the Peace of Worms, which I hoj)e to do before to-morrow evening. I am very far from suspecting our friend Montesquieu of inter- meddling in any anti-Christian or anti-monarchical conspiracy ; but it is my decided opinion that his works had the clearest and most marked effect in producing the French Revolution. It was his book that tore the veil from a fabric whose internal strength had long been worn away, though habit and opinion had attached to it an unreal appearance of force, which it would have been happy for mankind if it had preserved ; and though he did not himself aim any blows at his Government, yet his instructions directed others where to attack it, and taught them how utterly incompetent it was to defend itself against them. * * ♦ * Extract of Letter from G. Grotb to G. W. Nobman. London, ^jj)n7, 1817. * * * Literature still continues to form the greatest attrac- tion to my mind ; it is the only pleasure I enjoy which leaves no repentance behind it. I send you down the best ' Lucretius ' I have, and I think he will afford you much pleasure. Though the reasoning is generally indistinct, and in some i^laces unintelligible, yet in those passages where he indulges his vein of jioetry without reserve, the sublimity of his conceptions and the charm and elegance of his language are such as I have hardly ever seen equalled. He is much superior to Virgil in every quality except chastity and delicacy of taste, wherein the latter has reached the utmost pinnacle * These synoptical notes on Sismondi's history are in the pos- session of Mrs. Grote, and are entire and complete — occupying some forty pages of MSS. C 2 20 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. II. of perfection. I likewise send you the Tragedies attributed to Seneca, wliicli I think I liave heard you express an inclination to read. I have read one or two of them, and they appeared to me not above mediocrity. * * * * I am now studying Aristotle's 'Nicomachean Ethics.' His reasonings on the subject of morals are wonderfully just and peneti-ating, and I feel anxious, as I read on, for a more intimate acquaintance with him. Hume's Essays, some of which I have likewise read lately, do not improve, in my view, on furtlier knowledge. * * * * As a sample of his friend Norman's manner of writing, I venture to append a letter, of a somewhat later date than the foregoing one, Avhich will be read with interest. Extract of a Letter from Geo. Warde Norman to Geo. Grote. Deammen, Norway, 19^^ October, 1819. * * * Unremitting and troublesome employment has allowed me no time to attend to my fi'iends. Yet Heaven knows that, among the many ties that bind me to home and country, there is but one so powerful as the regard I feel for you. At the same time, this sentiment is not wholly disinterested, for I was never yet long separated from you without discovering a very perceptible decline in my intellectual energies. It is your example which only can conquer that indolence inherent in my natui'e, and which, had not gome fortunate circumstances intervened, would have reduced me to a perfect level with that herd of cattle walking on their hind legs who compose nine-tenths of what is called mixed company. I endeavour to imitate you, as Statins did Virgil, and never without that feeling of inferiority which dictated his address to the Thebaid. " Nee tu divinum Oneida tenia, Sed longe sequere, et vestigia semper adora." On a comparison with C. Cameron, I do not feel myself so degraded ; he is indeed much my superior in most points, but the distance between us is not so immeasurable. G. W. N. About this period it happened tliat George Grote became acquainted with Mr. James Mill. It was brought about through Mr. David Ricardo, at whose house young Grote used to visit, attracted by the conversation of that distin- 1810-1818. ACQUAINTANCE WITH JAMES MILL. 21 guislied man, then the prominent authority in the science of Political Economy, and Member of Parliament lor the Irish borou<,di of Portarlicgton, " by virtue of his breeches pocket," as it was jocosely said. Mr. Mill had just then received from the directors of tbe East India Company the appointment of Examiner to that government — a distinction equally honourable to him and to his patrons, since it was bestowed upon him from the con- sciousness of his great knowledge and ability to conduct Indian affairs, as evinced by his recently published * History of British India,' in three quarto volumes. In that work Mr. Mill had freely criticized the government of India, and it indicates both penetration and generosity on the part of the *' cliairs " (as they were termed) in Leadenhall Street, when so fearless a writer could be invited to take a leading position in the conducting of the East India Company's government under their auspices. G. GrOTE to G. W. NOBMAN. May, 1819, London. (Extract.) * * * I have breakfasted and dined several times with Eicardo, who has been uncommonly civil and kind to me. I have met Mill often at his house, and hope to derive great pleasm-e and instruc- tion from his acquaintance, as he is a very profound thinking man, and seems well disposed to communicate, as well as clear and in- telligible in his manner. His mind has, indeed, all that cynicism and asperity which belong to the Benthamian school, and what 1 chiefly dislike in him is, the readiness and seeming preference with which he dwells on the faults and defects of others — even of the greatest men ! But it is so very rarely that a man of any dcjith comes across my patb, that I shall most assuredly cultivate his acquaintance a good deal farther. I miss yours very much, my dear George, for I dcsj^air of finding in my walk through life, any other persons whom I can love, in addition to those very few whom I love already. I do not see anywhere around me, a single person in addition, on whom my heart can rest with any pleasure. My dead friends in Calf and Bussia still continue faithful and 22 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. II. interesting, and, if it were not for them, life would bo a very waste indeed ] * * * * Tlie intellectual capacity of Mr. Mill w as of a very superior calibre. With the domain of mental science he had an almost unlimited acquaintance, haviug read every author of eminence, and sounded the depths of metaphysical inquiry in all its ramifications. At the time I am writing about, he was composing a treatise on psychology, which he not long afterwards published under the title of ' Analysis of the Human Mind,' in two volumes. It was on this subject, and on the science of political economy, that the young disciple chiefly sought instruction at the hands of James Mill, and in his new acquaintance he found a master of both. As time rolled on, other branches of knowledge also came to be discussed, Political Piulosophy, Theology, and Ethics among the foremost. Before many months, the ascendency of James Mill's powerful mind over his younger companion made itself appa- rent. George Grote began by admiring the wisdom, the acuteness, the depths of Mill's intellectual character. Pre- sently he found himself enthralled in the circle of Mill's speculations, and after a year or two of intimate commerce there existed but little difference, in point of opinion, between master and pupil. Mr. Mill had the strongest convictions as to the superior advantages of democratic government over the monarchical or the aristocratic ; and with these he min- gled a scorn and hatred of the ruling classes which amounted to positive fanaticism. Coupled with this aversion to aris- tocratic influence (to which influence he invariably ascribed most of the defects and abuses prevalent in the administra- tion of public affairs), Mr. Mill entertained a profound pre- judice against the Established Church and, of course, a corresponding dislike to its ministers. These two vehement currents of antipathy came to be gradually shared by George Grote, in proportion as his veneration for Mr. Mill took deeper and deeper root. Al- 1810-1818. INFLUENCE OF MILL AND BENTHAM. 23 though liis own nature was of a gentle, charitable, humane quality, his fine intellect was worked upon by the inexorable teacher with so much persuasive power, that George Grote found himself inoculated, as it were, with the conclusions of the former, almost without a choice ; since the subtle reason- ings of Mr. Mill appeared to his logical mind to admit of no refutation. And thus it came to pass that, starting from acquired con- victions, George Grote adopted the next phase, viz. the antipathies of his teacher — antipathies which coloured his mind through the whole period of his ripe meridian age, and may be said to have inspired and directed many of the important actions of his life. Originatiug in an earnest feeling for the public good, these currents gradually as- sumed tlie force and sanction of duties ; prompting George Grote to a systematic course both of study, opinion, action, and self-denial, in whicli he was urgently encouraged by the master spirit of James Mill, to that gentleman's lates^t breath in 183G. This able dogmatist exercised considerable influence over other young men of that day, as well as over Grote. He was, indeed, a propagandist of a high order, equally master of t!ie pen and of speech. Moreover, he possessed the faculty of kindling in his auditors the generous impulses towards the popular side, both in politics and social theories ; leading them, at the same time, to regard the cultivation of indi- vidual affections and sympathies as destructive of lofty aims, and indubitably hurtful to the mental character. So attractive came to be the conceptions of duty towards mankind at large, as embodied in James Mill's eloquent dis- course, that the young disciples, becoming fired with patriotic ardour on the one hand and with bitter antipathies on the other, respectively braced themselves up, prepared to wage battle when the day should come, in behalf of "the true faith," according to Mill's " programme " and preaching. To the stimulating influence of the elder ]\Iill was, at this period, superadded that of the venerable sage Jeremy 24 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. IL Bentham, who lived in Queeu Square Place, Westminster, close to the residence of Mill and his family; which residence, in fact, belonged to Bentham, and was lent to the Historian of India. The writings of this remarkable man were now beginning to tell upon the thinking portion of young public men and lawyers, and to engender a good deal of discussion among the active members of the studious class. Grote caught the infection with readiness, and not only became a reader of Bentham's works on Jurisprudence, Keform of the Law, and Political Philosophy, but he also frequented the society of the recluse author: not without sensible advantage to his inquiring and impressionable mind. Mr. Bentham, being a man of easy fortune, kept a good table, and took pleasure in receiving guests at his board, though never more than one at a time. To bis one guest he would talk fluently, yet without caring to listen in his turn. He had a certain talent for music, too ; had been a decent fiddle-player in liis day, and still managed to play on the organ, having owe in his dining-room, which was, I may mention, situated at the io^ of the house, looking into and over a spacious garden belonging to Jeremy's residence.* * Jeremy Bentham had a country residence called " Barrow Green House," which he occupied during the summer Bcason, rent- ing it furnished of Mrs. Koe, widow of Mr. Hoskins, late owner of tliat place, and life 2)roi)rietrix. She had married, after Mr. lloskius' death, a young gentleman named Koe; who, however, declined living with her, preferring to follow his own tastes at a distance from home. At Barrow Green, James Mill and bis children lived (about the years 1812-18 io-1814) with Bentham, who kept house for all, as he had done at other country houses, and did likewise afterwards, at Ford Abbey, near Chard. Barrow Green House, some forty-five years afterwards, was rented and inhabited by Mr. Grote, and therein he and Mrs. Grote received more than one visit from John Stuart Mill, who took a lively pleasure in retracing the scenes of his childhood, and in recalling the personal recollections of Jeremy Bentham connected with the spot. 1818-1820. JOHN STUART MILL, 25 John Stuart Mill, the eklest son of James Mill, in 1817, then a boy of about twelve years old, was studying, with liis father as his sole preceptor, under the paternal roof. Un- questionably forward for his years, and already possessed of a competent knowledge of Greek and Latin, as well as of some subordinate though solid attainments, John was, as a boy, somewhat repressed by the elder Mill, and seldom took any share in the conversation carried on by the society frequenting the house. 26 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORQE GROTE. Chap, IlL CHAPTER III. 1818-1820. Thus pursuing a double current of business and study, George G-rote's life passed unmarked by adventure or acci- dent down to the spring of 1818,* when accident brought liim into the presence of Miss Lewin. The subjoined letter describes the effect produced on him by this rencontre. A few weeks later, George Grote met Miss Lewin again, in London. She was staying at Lord Harewood's, in Hanover Square, and thus separated, for a time, from her family : London, March, 1818. I had the happiness or misfortune (I know not which to call it, the feelings are so mixed) to see my dear friend and favourite, Harriet Lewin, the other day, in Bromley. She was sitting with Charlotte and another lady in the carriage, which was waiting at the door of the ' Bell.' I stood there, and conversed with her for about ten minutes, but something — I know not what it is — kejit me dui'ing the whole of the time in such a state of indescribable tremor and uneasiness, that I could hardly utter a rational sentence. She looked lovely beyond expression. Her features still retained the same life and soul which once did so magnetize me ; I never have seen it, and I never shall see it, on any other face. My dear Harriet ! It is terrible work. It is most cruelly painful to think that I can only appear to her in the light of one who has occa- sioned nothing but pain and uneasiness to her. Yet so it must be. I am sometimes tempted to wish myself an isolated being, without any family or relations, and nothing but those friends whom my own merit (little as that is) may attach to me, and to whom my * It was diversified by a few weeks' tour among the Rhenish provinces, in the sunnner of 1817, in company with G. W. Norman, then in weak health. 1818-1820. FATHER CONSENTS TO HIS MARRYING. 27 aflfections flow spontaneously and ardently. Eolations are a chain which drags a man on by means of his sense of duty. Happy is he who has fewest j * * * * The feelings which had been long suppressed within George Grote's breast, but had not ceased to exist, were now rekindled by the presence of their original object to so forcible a degree that he renewed his efforts to bring about an union with Miss Lewin ; urging his wishes upon Mr. Grote with so much fervour and emphasis that the father at length consented to his marrying, on condition of his postponing the step for the space of two years. With the terms of this grudgingly granted concession the young people, after some meditation, agreed to comply. Not that it was otherwise than distasteful to the family of Miss Lewin to accept George Grote's suit with so distant a prosj^ect of his union with their daughter. Nor was it without morti- fying and embarrassing reflections that Miss Lewin herself made up her mind to forget the painful circumstances of 1815, and to submit to enter into this harsh compact. Nevertheless, her long-cherished preference for George Grote, coupled with a discerning appreciation of his general character, and especially of its suitableness to her views of the value of literary communion and culture as an element of conjugal life, prevailed over all, and she acquiesced in the harsh conditions imposed by the elder Grote. Thus it came to pass that the future of these two young persons was stamped and irrevocably coloured by the events of the summer of 1818.* * G. Waddington, Esq. to George Grote, junior. Fahis, 28th Aitr/ust, 1H18. It is lucky for me that I had not forgotten you : if I had I should have been reminded of you yesterday so very singularly, that my superstition would almost have taken it for a suiJernatural warning to write to you. I saw a monster yesterday — an English monster — that weighs about 20 stone, and yet perhaps is, still, as 28 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEOKGE GROTE. Chap. IIL The followiDg extracts from journals kept by George Grote, in the years 1818-19, will show tlie steady habit of reading which he maintained. Political economy was at this date acquiring a lively interest with young men of the mercantile class, and the lectures of Mr. J. E. MaccuUoch attracted a large attendance, many ladies going to thera along with the studious of the male sex. James IMill and David Ricardo had, in fact, resuscitated this important science in the public mind. Questions connected with it frequently occupied the attention of George Grote and his intimate associates, when they met afterwards in his house in Thread- needle Street. I recollect the eternal disputes over the "incidence of tithe" with perfect clearness even now. Extracts from diary kept by George Grote, junior, in order to keep Miss Lewin informed of his way of life during the early period of their engagement, she keeping a record of her daily proceedings for his perusal. much like a man as any other animal ; I mean in appearance. It calls itself E. » « * * Going to dine at a table d'hute with my cousin, I observed this phfenomenon waiting to be fed. As I have been once or twice introduced to him, he seemed to recognise me, but as I made no advances towards a renewal of our acquaintance, nothing whatever passed between us. You may be assured that I did not lose so good an oiq)ortunity of denouncing him as the greatest critic and * * * * in England. I congratulate you and Miss Lewin on the cessation of the un- natural storms that your evil genius had raised. You are, I trust, pretty near the harbour at present, though you did not, in your letter, at all state hoio near. May you arrive there speedily, my dear George, and may you pass there a hmg life — it would bo insulting to say a literary, an useful, and a virtuous one : as it would bo rid-culous to add " a happy one "****! l)eg that you will write to me directly, and bo particular on all subjects which concern your haj^piness. Your very sincere and affectionate friend, G. W. 1818-1820. EXTEACTS FROM DIARY. 29 Tuesday, Sept. 22nd, 1818. Eose at 7. Read Say for a couple of hours. Eose at 7. Went over to The Hollies ; shaved there, and read Smith's ' Wealth of Nations ' till 8. Eose at 8. Breakfasted, and finished Say's ' l^conomie Poli- tique.' Eose at r^- past 6. Finished my notes on Say's definition of price. Eead over again that j)art of Say's second volmne which refers to consumption. It requires some fui-ther meditation before I shall have thoroughly comprehended it. I also revolved in my mind the reasons which hinder capital and labour from equalizing themselves in all trades. Eose at 7. Walked over to The Hollies. Sat reading Smith's « Wealth of Nations ' until 8. September SOth. At Badgemore. Eose at 7. Eead some of Lord Shaftesbury's letter on Enthu- siasm until 9, when we breakfasted. I finished it after breakfast, and was extremely pleased with it. It awakened many new notions in my mind, and I determined, after some fm-ther medita- tion, to put down upon paper some thoughts on the subject. At 12 I read a chapter in the German Bible with my sister. Tlmrsday, October 8th. Eose soon after 6. Eead the second chapter of Say's ' Economic,' and I wrote down upon paper some remarks on production, after meditating the subject much, as some parts of it are very thorny. I had occasion to differ with some of Say's j)ositions. Eose soon after 6. Eead over again Say's chapter on capital, and put down some remarks on it in order to clear up my notions on the subject, as I found occasion to suspect the soundness of some I had before entertained. * * * * g^^ Eichards this day, who told me that, agreeably to my father's invitation, he intended to dine in Threadneedle Street on Monday. I regretted this continual waste of evenings beyond measure, and longed for the time when my house and my hours should be TUider my command, or at least shared only with my — (Onr language is terribly poor ! I have a tear in my eye, which would fain drop on this spot.) Eose at ^ past G. Eead some more Say on the Division of Labour. He has rectified some trifling errors of A. Smith on tlio subject. 30 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEOEGE GROTE. Chap. IIL Eose at 8. Eead over again the ' Dissertation on Virtue ' which is subjoined to Butler's ' Analogy,' with very great i>leasure. It is equally deep and accurate. After breakfast I opened the second volume of the ' Wealth of Nations,' and read the first chapter on the employment and accumulation of capital stock. With the exception of a few points, chiefly I believe of phi-aseology, I agree with him in all he says. Threadneedle Street, UtJi October, 1818. Eose soon after 6. Eead Say's chapter on Commercial Industry ; wrote a few remarks on the effect of machinery on the condition of the labom-ers * * * * After dinner read some of Schiller's ' Don Carlos,' then practised on the bass from ^ past 7 till 9 ; at 9 I drank tea, then read some more of Say, on the mode in which capital operates, then finished my paper on machinery by about 11. Thursday, October 15th, 1818. Eose at 6. Eead Say's chapter on the Accumulation of Capital. Wrote some remarks on the meaning which he annexes to the word improductive, in which I think ho has fallen into some confusion. Eose at 6. Eead Say's chapter on the Circulation of Commodi- ties, which is admirable ; equally deej) and accurate. Eose at ^ past 6. My father departed early for Badgemore. Eead Say and Tiu'got until 12, and put down some remarks on the manner in which accvmiulation takes place. Neither Say nor Turgot completely satisfy my mind on this subject. * * * * Dined alone. Eead some scenes in Schiller's ' Don Carlos.' Con- sidered as complete dramas, I think both 'Don Carlos' and ' Marie Stuart' are very defective. There is too much mixtiu*e of paltry and unimportant intrigue in each ; a sort of unsuccessful attempt to keep the interest on the stretch. There are, however, most masterly single scenes to be found in them. That between Philip and his son is most striking, when Carlos solicits the command of the army and is denied. After reading this, I practised on the bass for about an hour, then drank tea, and read Adam Smith's incom- parable chapter on the Mercantile System until 11, when I went to bed. Eose at 6. Eead some more of A. Smith on the Mercantile System, and compared his account of it with that of Say. Whatever is good in the latter is taken from A. Smith ; and I do not think that the exceptions to mu*estricted liberty of commerce, which he 1818-1820. EXTRACTS FROM DIARY. 31 supports, aro justified. « * * * Dined at i past 5. Eead Don Carlos, and played on tlio bass for the next two hours, when I went and locked up ; drank tea at ^ past 8, and began some more of Say ; but I found my mind languid, so that I was obliged to change my study, and took up a dissertation of Turgot, " Sur les valeurs et monnoies," which I read with considerable attention. Went to bed soon after 11. Tuesday, October 20th. Rose at 6. Studied some more of Turgot's Dissertation, which cost me considerable labour, though I do not think it touches the bottom of the subject. Put down some more remarks on accumu- lation, and also some on the complete alliance of interest between each individual and the society. Sat to Manskirch for my pictui-e. Between 4 and 5 I read a little more of Turgot's Dissertation. At 5, G. Norman came, and dined with mo ; stayed until past 9. We had some caj)ital conversation. I then locked up, and played on the bass for an hour. Went to bed about 11. Having passed a sleepless night, I did not rise till i past 7. Read some more of Tm-got's ' Valeurs et Monnoies,' and also an old ' Edinburgh Review,' on the subject of money, and then put down my thoughts on the measurement of value. I think Turgot has proceeded throughout upon a misaj)prehension of the true theory of exchangeable values, and his dissertation on the subject, which is indeed a fragment, bears marks of not having received his last hand, though some part of it is very ingenious. At 12 I went and took a ride down to Clapham, for exercise. Returned at 2. Dined at i past 5. Read ' Don Carlos,' and j^layed on the bass until 8; then locked up, and drank tea. Passed the evening in studying Turgot, and digesting and committing to paper my notions, on him. Bed at 11. * * * Dined at i past 5 ; Cameron with me. We had some excellent conversation upon the ignorance of mankind in general. Between 7 and 8 I locked up, and we drank tea. We then read some of Ricardo's ' Political Economy ' until ^ past 10, when he departed. I then practised Schetky for half an hour, and went to bed J past 11. Rose at 6. Read some of A. Smith on Wages, and also that part of Ricardo that we had read the night before over again. His remarks on the effect of a rise in wages aro very strildng and original. I wrote down some remarks on the confusion into which Smith has fallen, between the quantity of labour which it costs to 32 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. IH. obtain an object, and the quantity which that object may after- wards be able to command in the market. At 10 Charles Cameron came to me, and we walked down to Bromley Common (twelve miles). G. Norman there by himself. Had a very pleasant dinner and evening. Eead some poetry aloud in the evening. Went to bed about i past 11. January, 1819. Saturday. — Eoso at k before 9. Breakfasted and worked at Eicardo imtil I was obliged to go into the ofiSce. Eeceived a note this day from G. N., telling me that he was to go to Ireland on Tuesday. Between 4 and 5 read some more of Eicardo, out of different parts of the book, to clear up my notions on Foreign Trade. Cowell and Cameron dined with me this day ; we enjoyed some delightful conversation, partly serious and argumentative, partly jocular. After they went away, I played on the bass a little while, then went to bed soon after 12. Sunday. — Eose about 9. After reading Eicardo for some little time, I set to and wrote down some stuff upon Foreign Trade, upon which my notions began to assume some form, though very gradually. At 1 I mounted my horse and rode to the Park, where I met Cowell ; we then rode to Eichmond Hill together : was much struck with the view there, even in this month. Eetmned to dinner at 6, very tired ; read some of Lessing's ' Laocoon,' then played on the bass for 1 hour. After tea set to at Eicardo again, but not finding my attention sufficiently alive, I dropt him, and looked over Melon's ' Essai sur le Commerce,' which I had had some curiosity to see. I found it the stupidest and most useless volume I ever opened. Bed at 12. Monday. — Eose a little before 9. Breakfasted and wrote down some more stuff upon Foreign Trade. Dined with Cowell and Cameron this day in Palsgrave Place. " Society " met in the even- ing. G. Norman away ; gone to Ireland. Eead Eicardo's chapter on Foreign Trade, and had some interesting discussion with Dr. King on the subject of Anatomy. Eeturned home at ^ past 12, went to bed but passed a sleepless night. Tuesday. — Eose at J past 8. Breakfasted and unlocked. Eead some more of Say's preface. Thought much this day on the sub- ject of Foreign Trade. Dined at ^ past 5 ; played on the bass for 1 hour, and then read some of Lessing's theological writings. Drank tea, and spent the evening in writing down my thoughts on Foreign Trade. Bed at 12. 1818-1820. EXTEACTS FROM DIARY. 33 Eose at 9. Breakfasted; read some of Adam Smitli on tlie Mercantile System. Eead part of the first book of Aristotle's Politics, with a view to ascertain his notions on the original bar- renness of money, and on trade in general. Drew out on paper a rough sketch of some notions which I had in my head relative to the Metaphysics of Political Economy. Rose about 9. Breakfasted and rode to London ; got wet and was compelled to change my things. Dined at i past 5 ; played on the bass after dinner for an hoiu" ; locked up, and drank tea ; employed myself during the evening in wi'iting down my notions on the Metaphysics of Political Economy. Bed at 12. Rose at 9. Breakfasted and continued my thoughts of the evening preceding. Mr. Bury brought me Eicardo's pamphlets this day. Between 4 and 5 I set to and read his Pamj)hlet on the depreciation of oiu* paper currency. Dined at i past 5 ; played on the bass ; read some more of Ricardo — his reply to Mr. Bosanquet, which is most able ; locked up, and drank tea ; then spent the evening in going on with my " thoughts," looking at some parts of Xenophon and Aristotle. Journalized the last four days, and bed at 12 o'clock. Rose at 9. Breakfasted and rode to London with my Father ; had some very unpleasant conversation with him, which put me exceedingly out of spirits. Between 4 and ^^, wrote a letter to my dearest Harriet informing her of the result. Dined at i past 5 ; went up to Palsgrave Place in the evening ; Cameron and Cowell were not at home ; returned and drank tea, read some of Hemsterhuis' ' De I'Homme et de ses Rapports ; ' finished up my thoughts on the Metaphysics of Poli- tical Economy. Bed at 12. Rose at i past 8. Breakfasted and wrote down some more thoughts on Foreign Trade. Thought a good deal during the day on the subject of exchanges. Between 4 and 5 read Mr. Galton's ' Chart on the Late Depre- ciation of Bank Notes.' Dined at ^ past 5 ; played on tlie bass for ^ an hour after dinner. During the evening I read some more of Hemsterhuis, and wrote down some more thoughts on Foreign trade. Rose at 9. Breakfasted and had a long conversation with my mother on the subject of visiting the Lewin family. Set off to Loudon about t past 11. Dined with my uncle in Lamb's Conduit D 34 PEKSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. III. Place ; played some of Bach's Concertos in the evening. Returned home about 11 ; read Hemsterhuis for an hour — some beautiful passages upon religion. Bed at 12. Rose a little before 9. Breakfasted and read some more of the ' Edinburgh Review,' but was little fit for anything, being so miser- able at heart. This depression lasted until I received my dearest H.'s letter at 1, which quite reassured me and comforted me. I could not help writing her an answer to tell her so. Between 4 and 5 read some more of Schiller's ' Wallenstein ; ' then played on the bass until tea. Drank tea, and locked up about 8. Read Kant's ' Anthropology ' for two hours ; then employed myself in writing down some reflections on the co-existence of freedom and slavery in America. Went to bed at 12. Rose at 9. Breakfasted and read some of Hemsterhuis, ' Sur la Divinite.' My brother Joseph came to town and interrupted me. Between 4 and 5 read the ' Edinburgh Review ' on Mill's British India, which is excellent. Dined with Joseph at ^ past 5 ; at 8 he went by the Portsmouth Mail. Locked up ; then finished my remarks on American Slavery ; read with considerable attention some more of Hemsterhuis' ' Sur la Divinite.' Journalized the last three days, and then went to bed about 12. End of Diary, 1818. The years 1818-19 now rolled on, uneasily in some respects, as may well be conceived, but the ultimate prospect of being united at the latest in 1820, sustained the courage of the affianced lovers. The following letter will serve to convey the feelings of the writer under the pressure of parental authority : — George Geote, junior, to George Warde Norman. Fehruai'if, 1819. I fear I shall be obliged to extend my celibacy over this year. A large debt which we had expected to secure, and vainly expected, must be written off this year, and my Father states that his own fortune will not enable him to make arrangements for me out of it, independent of the business. But what is still worse, he positively declines having at present any communication with Mr. L. or his family ; — no, not so much as a visit. I feel most keenly the humiliation to which H. L. is subjected in consequence of this resolution, but I have no remedy. 1818-1820. EXTEACTS FROM DIARY. 35 Do not condole with me. I have need to have my mind turned to the bright, and not to the despairing side of things. They met but seldom, and during the six months between August, 1819, and March, 1820, Miss Lewin was absent in Dorsetshire; chiefly on a visit to her relatives Mr. and Mrs. Bethell, at Merley House, to whom and their youthful daughter Emma she was aifectionately attached. As a specimen of G-eorge Grote's way of life during the period which immediately preceded his marriage, I here give extracts from his Diary, kept in order to send to Miss L. week by week a note of his personal " doings." TJmrsday, March lltJi, 1819. Eose at 7. Breakfasted, and read Kant for a couple of hours. I walked up, at 2 o'clock, to Hanover Square, where I saw Lord H. and the two Miss Hales ; was exceedingly delighted with the ap- pearance and resemblance of the one whom I had never seen before. Returned into the City to dinner; wi'ote down a few thoughts which I had been revolving. Dined at ^ past 5 ; played on the bass ; drank tea, and locked up ; finished the evening with Kant. Friday, March 12th. Rose at ^ past 7. Breakfasted, and employed myself for some time in writing some notes on the doctrines of Kant which I had been studying. At 4 rode down to Beckenham; dined there; played some of Mozart's Overtures in the evening. Read some of Franklin's Life in the evening, and went to bed at 11. Saturday, March 13th. Rose at ^ past 7, after a sleepless night. Read some of Hume's Essay on the Academical Philosophy. Breakfasted, and rode to London, where I found a letter from my dearest H., which gave me great delight, as also one from Miss Hale. Went to Guildhall twice this day to prove some debts. Between 4 and 5 read some more of Kant. Dined at ^ past 5 ; played on the bass ; drank tea at ^ past 7 ; then passed the evening in studying Kant, and writing down some remarks which occurred to me. Journalised the last 3 days, and went to bed at 11. Sunday, March 21st. Rose at ^ past 6. Breakfasted, and read Kant until 9. Mounted my horse and rode down to The Hollies to sec my dearest H. ; D 2 36 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. IH. found her better, and sat with her for an hour and a half. Eode to Beckenham ; called upon Cameron in my way, but did not find him at home. Dined at Clay Hill — Mrs. Stirling and family there. In the evening did not read, as my eyes were weak, but revolved Kant's doctrines in my mind. Bed at 11. Monday, March 22nd. Rose at 6. Rode to London to breakfast. Read some of Kant for 1 hour ; saw my brother Joe ; at 3 wrote to Miss Mayow and to Waddington ; between 4 and 5 read some more of Kant ; began to acqiiii'e a better view of his doctrines than I had before. Dined at i past 5 ; played on the bass for 1 hour ; drank tea, and read Kant until ^ past 7, when I went to the ' Crown and Anchor ' to hear Coleridge's Lectiu*e. Bed at 11. Tuesday, March 23rd. Rose at 6. Read Kant, and ate a little bread and butter, till J past 8, when I went up to Brook Street to breakfast with Mr. Ricardo ; was very politely received by him ; walked with him and Mr. Mill in St. James's Park imtil near 12, when I went into the City ; my mother in town this day. Between 4 and 5 read some more Kant ; dined at i past 5 ; wrote out again in the even- ing some of my remarks upon Foreign trade, and arranged them in a diiferent manner. Bed at 11. Wednesday, March 2Ath. Rose soon after 6. Read Kant, and breakfasted, until 9. Un- locked, and then went on with my remarks upon Foreign trade. At 3 rode down to Beckenham ; dined there — my mother and Joseph alone ; in the evening played Mozart's ' La ci darem la mano ' and other pieces ; went to bed at 11. Thursday, March 25th. Rose at 6. Rode up to London to breakfast. Wrote some more iipon Foreign trade. About 12 Cameron called and stayed for near an hour. Between 4 and 5 I read some of Kant's Prolego- mena. Dined at J past 5 ; played on the bass for 1 hour ; then went up to Palsgrave Place ; drank tea with Cameron : we con- versed about Kant, and read some of Bentham upon Legislation. Bed at ^ past 11. Friday, March 2Gth. Rose at 6. Read and meditated Kant for some time ; wrote out my observations on Foreign trade. Between 4 and 5 some more 1818-1820. EXTRACTS FROM DIARY. 37 of Kant. Dined at ^ past 5 ; played on the bass for 1 hour ; drank tea, and attempted to read some Kant in the evening, but found my eyes so weak that I was compelled to desist, and to think without book. Bed at 11. Journalized last 3 days. Saturday, March 27th. Rose at 6. Finished my remarks on Foreign trade, and en- closed them to Eicardo. Studied some more of Kant. Went to Falcon Square and to Guildhall this day. Dined at ^ past 5 ; played on the bass for 1 hour ; just as I was going to drink tea, George Norman appeared, and I was delighted to see him back again. Had some very interesting conversation about Ireland. After his departure I read a chapter in Eicardo's ' Pol. Econ.' Bed at 11. Sunday, March 28th. Eose at ^ past 5. Studied Kant until ^ past 8, when I set off to breakfast with Mr. Eicardo. Met Mr. Mill there, and enjoyed some most interesting and instructive discoiu-se with them, indoors and out (walking in Kensington Gardens), until h past 3, when I mounted my horse and set off to Beckenham. Was extremely ex- hausted with fatigue and hunger when I arrived there, and ate anr] drank plentifully, which quenched my intellectual vigom* for the night. Bed at ^ past 10. End cf Diary, 1819. 38 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. IV. CHAPTEE IV. 1820-1823. As the period approached for their marriage Miss Lewin returned home, and early in the month of March it was solemnized at Bexley Church, Kent, by the Eev. Edward Barnard, the vicar. George took his bride into Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, for a few weeks, soon afterwards, and in June hired a small house in Beaufort How, Chelsea, for a month or two, pending the completion of the preparation of the house in Threadneedle Street wherein the young married pair were required by Mr. Grote, senior, henceforward to reside. It was situated in a court adjoining the banking-house, was a roomy and comfortable dwelling, and, forming part of the premises, it allowed convenient access to the banking- house for George Grote during business hours, thus enabling him to pass more time in his home than if he had lived at a distance. These were advantages, doubtless, but they were overbalanced by the confined nature of the locale, the want of open air, and the difficulty of finding means of taking exercise and recreation on the part of Mrs. George Grote. In the autumn of 1820 George and his wife went to pay a visit to Mr. and Mrs. Grote at Badgemore near Henley- -on-Thames, where they were very kindly welcomed, and where she became better acquainted with the numerous members of the Grote family, till now scarcely known to her. During the weary interval which George Grote and Miss Lewin had to traverse prior to their coming together in March, 1820, he had bestowed a good deal of attention on her mental improvement : impressing upon her the ad van- 1820-1823. MARRIAGE. 39 tages of cultivating her mind by a course of instructive reading, and by committing to paper the impressions made upon her by books. Miss Lewin was nowise disinclined to follow the dictation of her young preceptor, for she was from the first inspired with sympathy for his studies, and anxious to become qualified to second, and even to assist him, if possible, in his intellectual course. Her appetite for knowledge had indeed formed one among the attractions she possessed in George Grote's eyes from the beginning of their acquaint- ance. Furthermore, George Grote frequently called her attention to another reason for seeking pleasure in study, because his pecuniary circumstances were likely to be, for some years at least, very limited. His father, though at this period possessed of a large income, which within a year or two of George Grote's marriage became still larger (by his wife's inheriting the Irish estate at the death of Sir Henry Blosset *), — his father, I say, restricted his eldest son to a small allow- ance, only just sufficient to enable him and his wife to live in decent comfort, and that only by both of them practising self-denial and observing frugal habits. Within a very few weeks of her entering upon the occupa- tion of her new home in Threadneedle Street, Mrs. George Grote's health began to suffer from the change to this con- fined situation. Nevertheless, it was a necessary condition * This gentleman being named heir to the estates in Ireland, after the death of his maiden aunts, assumed the old name of the family — De Blosset — dropping, however, the French prefix of "De." He hecame possessed of this inheritance about the year 1815 — went to India in 1822, as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court (Calcutta), and died there in 1823, leaving his property to his sister, Mrs. Grote, entailing it on George Grote, her eldest son, with power of appointment to another son. This power she exer- cised in favour of her second son, a Major in H.M. 33rd Eegiment ; and after bis death, in 1844, Mrs. Grote devised the estates in Ire- land to her fourth son— Joseph Grote, banker, in London. 40 PEKSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. IV. of her marriage ; Mr. Grote liad said it must be so, and she endeavoured to make the best of it. The winter was uijwontedly rigorous, the close air of the small court was un- wholesome, and a casual indisposition led to a premature labour in January, 1821. A male infant was born, which lived only one week. Being an eight months' child, and brought forth under the circumstances indicated above, it could not have been expected to live, although pronounced to be a fine boy. This premature delivery was followed by puerperal fever, of so virulent a character that, after three days. Dr. Batty indicated to George Grote his conviction that there could be but one termination to the disorder. At the end of the sixth day (during six days and nights she had been delirious, and had been kept alive by an occasional spoonful of barley-water, poured down her throat by the nurse) Dr. Batty discerned, not without astonishment as he confessed, a slight diminution in the pulse. A crisis had supervened ; her naturally fine constitution had enabled her to resist the brain fever, which apparently had burnt itself out, and she was saved. Not to dwell upon the miserable circumstances which accompanied her slow convalescence, I pass to the subject of George Grote's mental course during the years of his married life. He composed an essay on Parliamentary reform in 1821, writing it for the most part at the bedside of his wife, who, slowly recovering from her terrible illness, had been conveyed in a bed-carriage to Hampstead, to a small but cheerful house on Downshire Hill, near the Heath. This essay was published as a pamphlet, and may be considered as G. Grote's coup d'essai in literary composition. It pur- ported to be a reply to an article in the * Edinburgh Review,' by Sir James Mackintosh, and was expressly directed against the theory of class representation. As a piece of political controversial writing this work must be allowed a claim to respect, and moreover it is a creditable specimen of nervous, 1820-1823. FIRST PRINTED ESSAY. 41 correct English : tliougli, as being a maiden essay, naturally over-laboured, and perhaps a trifle heavy in style. The next two or three years rolled on without any marked feature ; Mrs. G. Grote recovered a certain measure of health, but the direful traces of her late illness left her liable to painful headaches of several days' duration at intervals. They were resident in Threadneedle Street, but had a small lodging at Newington Green, to which they went for some- what better air as often as George Grote's business duties allowed, and they took, annually, a month's holiday, during which they made country excursions. As a rule of exist- ence George Grote's leisure was unremittingly devoted to study. The amount of notes, scraps, extracts, and dissertations which he wrote, and the greater portion of which is still preserved, attests the eager appetite for knowledge which devoured him. He cultivated his musical talent, too, for many years after his marriage, although towards the year 1830 he ceased to attend to his violoncello, finding too many other claims pressing on his time and attention to permit of his practising on this instrument. Up to this period, how- ever, he and his wife used to play duets on two violoncellos, as well as pianoforte duets with his accompaniment. Extract of Letter from G. Grote to G. W. Norman.* London, 14:th January, 1823. I am at present deeply engaged in the fabiilous ages of Greece, which I find will require to be illustrated by bringing together a large mass of analogical matter from other early histories, in order to show the entire uncertainty and worthlessness of tales to which early associations bave so long familiarized all classical minds. I am quite amazed to discover the extraordinary greediness and facility with which men assert, believe, and re-assert, and are be- lieved. The weakness appears to be next to universal, and I really * I give this letter as an evidence of the hold which Grecian mythology had obtained over his imagination. 42 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. CnAP. IV. tliink that one ouglit to write on tlie walls of one's dressing-room tlie caution of the poet Epicharmus — 'Nrjcpe, Kol jxi^vriff' airicrTuv apdpa ravra tu)V ippivuiv. Mrs; G. Grote was habitually studious, after lier fashion, under the direction of her husband, who laid great stress upon her cultivating the ratiocinative vein of instruction — above all, logic, metaphysics, and politics ; and she accordingly strove to master these subjects, out of deference to his wish, and in order to qualify herself to be associated with his intel- lectual tastes and labours, as time wore on. The persons who frequented their house were chiefly men of high intelligence and capacity. George Grote having so little leisure, would not give up his time to any but such associates as were at once congenial and profitable. The elder Mill came frequently, dining in Threadneedle Street at least once a week; stimulating his younger disciple to continuous labour by his example and encouraging talk. Several eminent persons sought the choice society which from time to time met in that obscure corner of the City, and the influence exercised by their circle came to be felt outside, with gradually augmenting power. Mr. David Eicardo, Mr. John Smith, M.P., Mr. John Black (of the 'Morning Chronicle'), Mr. Cameron, Mr. Norman, Mr. Thomas Campbell (the poet), Mr. John Austin and his brother Mr. Charles Austin, Mr. John Romilly, Mr. Charles Buller, Lord William Bentinck, Mr. Bickersteth, Mr. Eyton Tooke, John Stuart Mill, John R. Macculloch, several in- structed Italian refugees (M. de Santa Eosa, among others), Mrs. John Austin, and a few other female friends — all these, along with many more whom it is now unimportant to specify by name, contributed to form the society I speak of, in Threadneedle Street, from 1822 down to 1880. I insert here a note of Mr. Ricardo's to his young disciple. David Eicardo to George Grote. March, 1823. My dear Sill, — * * * I shall see Mr. Maberly to-day, and will, if con- 1820-1823. DAVID EICARDO. 43 venient to him, fix on the Friday following [to dine with Mr. and Mrs. George Grote]. I am siu-e I need not say to you that your observations on my conduct in Parliament respecting the two important questions which have lately been under discussion, have given me great pleasure. The approbation of such as you is the only reward which I expect for doing my duty, and amj)ly recompenses me for my poor exertions for the public good. Believe me ever, my dear Sir, Very truly youi-s, David Eicardo, P.S. — I have seen Mr. Maberly ; he agrees to Friday the 16th. Mrs. George Grote had numerous friends and connec- tions among the aristocratic portion of society, and her inclination would fain have led her to cultivate their sym- pathies by frequenting their houses. But the aversion, at this early period of his life, to everything tinctured with aristocratic tastes and forms of opinion, which ani- mated George Grote's mind, obliged his wife to relin- quish her intercourse with almost all families of rank and position, rather than displease her (somewhat intolerant) partner. With the exception, therefore, of Mr. and Mrs. Plumer, of Gilston Park, Herts, Mrs. George Grote scarcely maintained any ties out of the circle of which I have sketched the com- position. To Gilston Park she not unfrequently repaired, however, since it not only afforded an attractive change, beneficial to her health and spirits, but the devoted friend- ship of its owners (who were her blood relations) hardly left her any choice but to accept their unbounded kind- ness. Gilston Park, delightful as it was, possessed no charms for George Grote beyond the pleasure of his wife's presence, and he never went thither save with a certain reluctance. Had he chosen to turn to account the warm affection and partiality shown to his wife by the Plumers, I have little doubt but.that Gilston Park might have fallen to his portion 44 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. IV. after their death. But he coukl not dissemble the indiffer- ence he felt for everything that was not associated with books.* The following letter is inserted here, as there will be no further occasion to speak of Gilston : — Threauneedle Street, November Zrd, 1827. My dearest Harriet, — I deeply regret, my love, that I am compelled to write instead of coming in person, which I should have done assuredly, had I not been tied by my engagement with Bentham. The deuce take the engagement (!) I had a thousand misgivings before I wrote the letter to the ancient sage, that something would arise to make my presence desirable at Gilston, and it was only by constraint that I prevailed ujjon myself to promise to dine with him. What is more, it will be utterly impossible for me to come down on Monday, as you suggest ; for I find that the Council of the London University meets on Monday, instead of Tuesday, as I had supposed ; and W. G. P. is going out of town for a few days on Tuesday, which will oblige me to lock up both on Tuesday and Wednesday. It is terribly painful to be separated from you so long, my dearest love ; but I know not how to avoid it, and I can only fall foul of the great people whose visits you are expecting, and whose caprice and uncertainty thus detains you away from me. It consoles me, however, that you are in clover — I hoi)C riding and acqiiiring health as well as exercising " Gippey." I trust that you will not be kept longer than Thursday or Friday : and I really * Mrs. George Grote continued on terms of intimacy and affec- tion with Mrs. Plumer for some years after Mr. Plunier's death. His widow married Captain Lewin, E.N. (brother to Mrs. George Grote), in 1825, and he dying in 1827, she married, a year or two afterwards, Mr. Ward (author of a novel called ' Tremaine '). She herself died in 1833, bequeathing to his son by a former wife the whole of her large fortune, left in her disj^osal by Mr. Plumer, her first husband. This fortune Sir Henry George Ward managed to get through after a few years, and he died at Madras (where he was Governor), about the year 1860. He had, before this, reigned over the Ionian Islands as English lu'o-consul. , 1820-1823. LETTER TO MRS. GROTE. 45 think that neither you nor Mrs. Lewin ought to suffer your time and your expectations to be tampered with any longer, even by the Governor-General of India. If he does not come on Monday or Tuesday, I would not wait for him at all. However, do as you please, my dearest : the sooner you return, the better for me. How different is a Sunday which I look forward to pass with you from a Sunday which I am to pass without you ! I got to town very well on Thursday, though it was and still is very cold : all the better weather, however, for you, and that com- forts me when my hands are freezing. 46 PEKSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. V. CHAPTEE V. 1823-1827. Before treating of the period which succeeded the year 1830, it may be as well to give a cursory sketch of the way of life common to Mr. and Mrs. George Grote prior to that year, George Grote himself was the real working partner in the banking-house of Grote and Prescott, from 1816 onwards, the other two partners being his father and Mr. William Willoughby Prescott, both of them sous of the original founders of the house. Two or three years after George Grote's marriage, (or about the year 1822,) Mr. William George Prescott, son of Mr. Willoughby Prescott, was intro- duced as a partner, and thenceforth helped to lighten the labours of his co-partners. At that time it was indispensable to have the banking-house Safes closed at night and opened in the morning by one of the partners, and this duty (now-a- days confided to the head clerk) was for the most part discharged by George Grote and William George Prescott, in turn. Each of the three partners had a private residence at the banking-house ; young Prescott living with his father and mother in the largest house of the three, in which also slept and were boarded, some twelve or fifteen of the younger clerks, at the expense of the Firm. Mr, Prescott, the elder, resided at Hendon most part of the year, so that the duty of opening and closing devolved chiefly on George Grote, except during the spring trimestre. George and his wife occupied the third house, the elder Grote keeping the centre house in the court, with a couple of servants, for his own use when it suited him to sleep in town. It has already been stated that Mrs. George Grote's health had suffered from the effects of the puerperal fever, to so 1823-1827. MANNER OF LIFE. 47 serious an extent as to render it impossible to pass the whole of her time in this confined and enclosed situation. At great inconvenience to themselves the young couple passed a portion of their time, therefore, at a small furnished house about five or six miles north of London, at a place called Fortis Green, beyond Highgate, George going up and down to business by the stage coach : but when it was his duty to lock up and open, then Mrs. Grote came to London and stayed while this duty lasted. Thus their lives were passed between Fortis Green and Threadneedle Street for the chief portion of each year, up to 1826, when they took on lease a small but convenient house, with garden and stabling, at Stoke Newingtou, situate close to the New Kiver, on the " Green Lanes," as the road was called. Their social pleasures (such as they were) consisted of occasional little dinners, given to intimate friends in Thread- needle Street, or on Sundays at Newington. Amusements, commonly so called, were rarely indulged in. But Mrs. George Grote now and then went to a concert of the Phil- harmonic Society. The confinement of the City rendering some indoor occu- pation desirable, Mrs. George Grote learned the bookbinding trade, which furnished a variety to the sedentary occupations of reading and needlework, drawing, and the like. Both she and her husband habitually rode, for the sake of exercise, in the riding-school at Finsbury (kept by Mr. Julien Mathieu) two or three times a week. When they took walking exercise, it was either on Southwark Bridge or in the Drapers' Hall Gardens, Throgmorton Street, amidst a grove of trees black with the soot of the City. They kept a small open chaise drawn by one horse, in which Mrs. George drove herself and her maid and man- servant backwards and forwards, as occasion prompted, to the suburban box. They had two female servants and a man- servant, their cook always remaining in charge of the house in London. In addition to the circle of friends already named as 48 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. V. being frequent visitors, a foreigner of distinction now and then accepted their modest hospitality. Among these were Monsieur Etienne Dumont, of Geneva, Monsieur Charles Comte, a French jurist, then an exile in England for political writings against the government of Charles the Tenth; also the celebrated Dr. Schleiermacher, of Berlin, the theological professor, and M. Jean Baptiste Say and his family. Once in the course of the year Mr. and Mrs. George enjoyed a month's holiday, spending it either at the seaside or in a country ramble in their chaise, with a second horse on which Mr. George Grote rode. On one occasion the New Forest was the scene of their excursions ; on another summer they took their holiday in Sussex. The habits of work were not relaxed after Grote's settling in Threadneedle Street as a married man. Here is a sample of his later occupations : Journal kept by G. Grote, December, 1822. — A bell was about this date fixed in our bedroom, and duly rung at 6 A.M. by the private watchman, in order to secure Grote's getting up at that hour. Dec. 3rd, 1822.— Eose a little before 7. Eead to the conclusion of Pausanias, being about 40 pages. After breakfast began to take down my rough notes upon these 40 pages ; a task which I com- pleted in the evening. Read some very interesting matter in the fii'st volume of Goguet respecting the early arts, agriculture, baking, brewing, oil, drinks, and clothes. This is far the best part of Goguet which I have yet seen. 4.tJL — Rose at 6. Read Goguet on the different Arts until breakfast ; after breakfast read some articles in Voltaire's ' Dic- tionn. Philosoph.' Had a headache this evening, which I whiled away conversing with W. Prescott. Bth. — Rose a little before 8. Read G^guet's Dissertation on Sanchoniathon ; I do not think he has given the right reasonings about the genuineness or spui-iousness of this author. Read also his Dissertation on the Book of Job, which I think poor. In the evening read 60 pages of Wolfs Proleg. in Homer, which I think very good. 1823-1827. UNDERTAKES THE HISTORY OF GREECE. 49 6th. — Eose at 6, having begun the bell in my bedroom. Con- tinued the perusal of Wolfs Prolegomena, which contains very- much instruction as to the literature and MSS. of antiquity. In the evening read some excellent articles in Volt. ' Diet. Ph. ' ; particularly articles Consequent and Democratic. Perused Wolf until bed-time. 7th. — Rose at 6. Eead Wolf. My opinion of him not lessened ; from some passages I think he is a Free-thinker, especially as to the Old Testament. Wrote a letter to Arthiu- Gregory, explaining and confirming the inn)ressions made by Mill's art. ' Government.' Went on with Wolf until bed ; I get on slowly with him, from taking constant notes. 8th. — Rose at 6. Finished Wolfs Proleg., and my notes on them. After breakfast set to ujjon Diod. Sicul., having previously cast my eye over Heyne's Dissert., prefixed to the sources of his history. I reserve this until I have finished the Historian himself. Read Diod. xmtil 2 o'clock — about 35 iiages, as I found it neces- sary to take down notes of considerable length. 9th. — Rose at 6. Employed all my reading-time this day upon Diodor., and got through 80 pages, taking notes. He seems a more sensible writer than I had exj)ected. A few articles in the ' Dictionn. Philos.' filled up odd moments. The article Miracles is admirable. 10th. — Rose at 6. Read Diod. Siculus, and took notes. Mr. Mill and Mr. John Le Fevre, and Sir G. Lowin dined with us. Towards the autumn of the year 1823, Mrs. Grote, hearing the subject of Grecian History frequently discussed at their house in Threadneedle Street, and being well aware how attractive the study was in her husband's eyes, thought it would be a fitting undertaking for him to write a new History of Greece himself; accordingly she propounded this view to George Grote : " You are always studying the ancient authors whenever you have a moment's leisure ; now here would be a fine subject for you to treat. Suppose you try your hand ! " The idea seemed acceptable to the young student, and, after reflecting for some time, he came to the resolution of entering upon the work. His studies became chiefly directed towards it from that time forward. The quantity of materials wliich E 50 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEOEGE GROTE. Chap. V. he accumulated in the form of "Notes" and extracts during his preparation for the History, (which have been preserved by the care of his wife,) give evidence of his industry, and of the deep interest he felt in his self-appointed task. In 1824 George Grote consented to take his sister to Edin- burgh, where she intended to pass some months, and his wife being willing to accompany him they all made the voyage by sea from the Thames, in the * James Watt ' sailing-packet. They had a tempestuous passage, with the imminent hazard of a " run down " off Flamborough Head, in the night, by a huge collier. Before leaving Scotland Mr. and Mrs. George made a short tour in a gig, driven by a Highland boy, to Perth, Tay mouth, and Glasgow southwards, paying a visit to Robert Owen's establishment near Lanark, on the Clyde river. During this tour George regularly emj)loyed the evening in composing a compendious treatise on Logic. It was in 1827 that George and his wife took an excursion to the west of England, the banks of the Wye, Malvern, and other interesting places. On their way home they halted at Wilton House, where the Earl and Countess of Pembroke gave them a warm welcome. It was a charming family group — the daughters approaching to womanhood and full of promise: young Sidney Herbert, a frolicsome, handsome boy, of about 13 or 14 years old, etourdi yet elegant, " saucy " yet respectful to his elders. The family of Mrs. George Grote and the Pembroke family had long been united in friendly intercourse, since the beginning of the century. Besides the month's holiday, George Grote and his wife went every year to pass ten days with his father at Badge- more (near Henley-on-Thames), where they had horses to ride, and generally profited in health by the change. On one of these occasions Mrs. Grote drove her own one-liorse vehicle all the way from Newington to Badgemore, forty miles ; George riding the same distance on horseback. The old people treated them very kindly, and always took pleasure in Mrs. George Grote's musical accomplishments. The elder Mr. Grote bore very little share in tlie labours of 1823-1827. REVIEW OF MITFORD IN ' WESTMINSTER.' 51 the banking-house during these ten years, 1820 to 1830, but he appropriated the greater portion of the profits which fell to the Grote family, allowing his eldest son no more than just sufficient to keep him from incurring debts. Mrs. George was a careful manager, making the most of their small income, and occasionally adding a few pounds to it by writing articles for the * Westminster Keview.' The editor of the * Westminster Keview,' Mr. Bowring, well aware of the ability and learning of George Grote, applied to him for a contribution to that periodical, on some classical subject. Grote accordingly set to work upon a review of Mitford's ' History of Greece,' in the course of the winter of 1825. The article appeared in the April number, 1826, and produced a remarkable effect upon the scholar world. It is but just to the editor of the Keview to give, in his own words, his opinion of the value of the critique. He wrote to the author thus : April, 1826. My dear Sir, — I shall send the whole of the article to press. It is full of learning — instruction of many sorts — and of utility and wisdom. I think it honours you, and will serve us. J. B. Within a year or two after George Grote had commenced his preparations for writing a history, he had conceived the project of making a short Continental excursion. One of the motives was a desire to seek the acquaintance of Pro- fessor Niebuhr, to whom he addressed a letter of inquiry concerning his probable presence in Bonn in the month of May, 1827. Niebuhr had been made aware of Grote's scholastic acquirements through the article from his pen on Mitford's ' Greece,' already mentioned. The estimate which he formed of them is revealed in the following pages, written towards the end of March, 1827. The friendly and flattering tone of the learned historian's answer was infinitely encouraging to the younger student, and it caused him to look forward with lively pleasure to the realization of his scheme, and to enjoying E 2 52 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. V. the advantage of discussing ancient history with the eminent German scholar. Circumstances, however, proved unfavour- able ; the monetary world became terribly unsettled about this period, and George Grote found it inconsistent with his obligations to his partners to absent himself from England. I regret to add that these two pioneers of history (as they may be termed) never had the good fortune personally to meet, to the end of their days. The letter of Professor Niebuhr is here subjoined. Professor Niebuhr to George Grote, junior. Bonn, 2Qth June, 1827. Sir, — Two moutlis have elapsed since the date of the letter with which you favoured me, and I am afraid that no apology which I can offer for so long a silence will appear adequate. Allow me, however, to state briefly, that it is the result of protracted illness, which has deeply affected my nerves ; while, at the same time, I was, and am still, tormented by hourly intrusions and avocations. I feel not only unwell, but suffering in a way which is peculiarly distressing to a studious man. For weeks together I have been unable to hold and manage a pen ; and if, to a certain degree, I could remedy the evil by dictating in my own language, this was not the case in a foreign one, least of all in English, which is almost imknown to the youth of this part of Germany. Now I should have contrived to overcome all these obstacles if my illness had not hindered me precisely from answering your question. You want to know whether I shall be at Bonn after the middle of July : that depends upon my health ; and I could sup- pose from week to week that I should be enabled to give a more positive answer. Had I not announced for the summer lectures upon the Koman Antiquities, — had this not decided more than one student to remain here, I should have gone to Neundorf to try the baths. I was most unwisely obstinate, and remained here. In all probability, I shall not move from hence before the 15th of August, that I may conduct the lectures to a termination. Then I will, almost certainly, proceed to Aix-la-Chapelle, as the only plan to be attempted at that season. It is not impossible that i^rudcnce may compel me to abridge the lectures, and go sooner : I hope, however, it will not be the case. 1823-1827. LETTER OF NIEBUHR. 53 If you visit the banks of the Ehine, your way lies through Aix-la-Chapclle : have the goodness to inqixire at the Post-office. If you write me a line a few days before you leave London, directed to Bonn, I shall have time enough, if here, to send an answer, jjoste restante, to that Post-office ; if I should be already in that city, you will find my direction. To see you. Sir, to converse with you on the noble subject which occuj)ies your leisure hours, and to which you have already shown yourself so eminently qualified to do justice, will be to me a most exquisite gratification. We both may be conscious, without personal acquaintance, that there exists between our principles and our views of history such a congeniality, that we are called upon to become acquainted, and to connect our labours. In Greek history, with perhaps a few exceptions of such points as I have been led to investigate, I have only to learn from you. If what I can offer you of the results of my researches about the later periods should contain anything worthy of your attention, I would feel happy and honoured. Give me leave to recommend the enclosed for our mutual friend. I am, with truth and high regard. Dear Sir, yours sincerely, B. Geo. Niebuhr. Living in an obscure suburb, on the north-eastern side of London, as they did, Mrs. George became gradually cut off from all but her nearest family connections, and indeed from society generally ; in fact, a more recluse life than she and George Grote lived, it would be diflficult to imagine. The little leisure which the management of the banking-house left him, was steadily applied by George to the prosecution of his historical and other studies : for he kept up a general acquaintance with modern literature in all languages, as well as with the classic authors of the ancient world. When they established them- selves at Newington, it was found practicable for him to walk to and from the banking-house, instead of (as before) using the stage-coach ; and he accordingly passed more nights out of town than when their rural retreat was at a greater dis- tance. George usually left "Paradise Place" at 8 a.m., when he had to open the banking-house; on other mornings, not earlier than half-i)ast nine. 54 PEKSONAL LIFE OF GEOKGE GROTE. Chap. V. His habit was to walk back to dinner, unless when obliged to stay to lock up. Sometimes Mrs. George would send the horse for him to ride home upon from the livery stables at the riding-school. One day in the week might for the most part be counted upon to be spent at home ; on which day an extra amount of learned labour was achieved, and a recrea- tive ride or drive enjoyed : Mrs. George always taking care that he should have his "study" entirely to himself whenever he was minded to work at his Greek history. Mrs. George went, at intervals, to visit her own family in Kent, for a few days, on which occasions her husband accompanied her. 1827-1830. UKIVERSITY OF LONDON. 55 CHAPTER VI. 1827-1830. About the year 1825, the project was set on foot of creating a London University, where a general system of instruction should be established, independent of all religious teaching. The promoters of it were Liberals in politics, but the greater proportion were members of the various Dissenting bodies. The Whig party viewed the scheme with favour, as being likely to countervail the ascendency of the Tories. George Grote early threw himself into this movement, and gave much of his attention to the organizing of the necessary machinery, which, after a time, resulted in the creation of the London University. The first stone of this edifice was laid on the 30th April, 1827, with great solemnity, and amid much popular sym- pathy, by his Royal Highness the Duke of Sussex.* The * The names of the members composing the first council were engraven on a brass plate, and deposited within the foundation- stone, along with the various coins of the realm then in ch'culation. The names are as follows, — twenty-five in number. (At the date of this record concerning the London University (1870), only two of the members of this first council sui'vive. These two are, George Grote and Lord John Eussell) : — H.R.H. the Duke of Sussex, Duke of Norfolk, Henrlcus Brougham, Marquis of Lansdowue, Isaac Lyon Goldsmid, Lord John Russell, Georgius Grote, Lord Dudley and Ward, Zachary Macaulay, Lord Auckland, Johannes Wishaw, Jacobus Abercroniljio, Benjamin Shaw, Jacobus Mackintosh, Tookc (Gulielmua), Alexander Baring, Hcnricus Waymouth, [Georgius 56 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. VI. neighbourhood of Gower Street was alive with multitudes of spectators ; all the windows which commanded a view of the procession, and even the house-tops, were lined with gazers. Many persons of distinction attended the ceremony, and speeches were made, and a dinner was held in the evening at the Freemasons' Tavern in Great Queen Street, Lincoln's Inn Fields, at which George Grote of course "assisted;" Mrs. George finding a place, along with other ladies, in the gallery above, to hear the speeches. The company at this dinner — 420 in number — comprised many of the most dis- tinguished names in the country, the Duke of Sussex pre- siding. This event may truly be said to have formed an epoch in our domestic history. Much sensation was occasioned by it, not only in England but on the Continent. An echo even arrived from Vienna, whence a writer pre- dicted a change in the sentiments of the English com- munity, " since the business of education appears to be leaving the hands of the Church," &c. &c. The fact was, that the Dissenting body were now becoming powerful enough to insist upon having a superior education for their sons ; the exclusion of whom from the English Universities had long been felt as a serious grievance. The " Philosophical Radicals," as the followers of Bentham were designated, natu- rally lent themselves to a project tending to separate education from the management of the clerical body, whilst the leaders of the Whig party gladly accepted the alliance of the Radi- cals and Dissenters who, they hoped, might assist them in turn to arrive at political power. The first list of professors appointed to the London Univer- sity came out in November of this year : many names since risen to distinction figure upon it: such as Charles Bell, Georgius Birkbeck, Jacobus Mill, Thomas Campbell, Johannes Smith, Olinthus Gregory, Henricus Warburton, Josepluis Hume, Thomas Wilson, Gulielmus Wilkins, Architect. 1827-1830. UNIVERSITY OF LONDON. 57 Dionysius Lardner, J. R. Maccullocli, John Austin, Doctor Lindley, Antonio Panizzi, and George Long. The getting the Institution into working order required a vast deal of individual exertion and ability. Mr. War- burton, Mr. Zachary Maeaulay, Mr. ]\[ill, Mr. Waymouth, and later, Mr. Joseph Hume and Mr, Hallam, gave much of their time and attention to the affairs of the University, towards which the sum of 150,000?. was furnished by sub- scribing for shares of 1001. each. The building now made steady progress, and sanguine hopes prevailed that the prin- ciple of secular education would come to be firmly established. The fatigue which George Grote experienced from this extra "labour of love," coming, as it did, unavoidably after many hours' work in the City, was matter of regret to Mrs. George. He sometimes would return from the meet- ings of Council quite overwearied ; taking a shilling fare of hackney-coach from Gower Street to Highbury Barn, and walking thence across the field-path to his house in Paradise Place.* In the year 1828, Mr. Grote's father had a paralytic stroke, at Threadneedle Street. He recovered partially, after a few weeks, but was never again capable of taking any share in the management of the banking-house. After this, he gave up his residence at Beckenham, and brought his establish- * It was during this winter that Lord William Bentinck received his appointment as Governor-General of India. His lordship had formed a friendly intimacy with Mrs. George, meetuig her fre- quently at the house of her kinswoman, Mrs. Pliuner Lewin, at Gilston Park, Herts. Mr. James Mill, then Chief Examiner at the India House, always dined with George Grote and his wife to meet Lord William, when he came to Threadneedle Street. With Lord William, Mrs. Grote maintained an occasional correspondence, during the whole period of his residence in India. Not long after Lord William's arrival in India, a younger brother of Mr. George Grote going out thither in the East India Company's military service. Lord William conferred upon him the appointment of aide-de-camp to himself. 58 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. VL ment to London, taking a house in Devonshire Place where he passed the winter, removing to Badgemore in the summer. In the August of this year, Mr. and Mrs. George Grote made an excursion into Sussex for their holiday, visiting Petworth, where the breeding-stud of Lord Egremont offered much interest for them — a fondness for horses being common to both George and his wife. They actually toolc the step of purchasing a fine young mare of Lord Egremont's breed, which mare, it may be added, Mr. George Grote rode, as his own nag, for sixteen years afterwards.* They next esta- blished themselves, as lodgers, at a farmhouse called Chan- trey Farm, situated under the South Downs near Storring- ton, and they enjoyed their sSjov/r particularrly. George occupied himself in writing, or reading for his history, all morning, and in riding over the Downs with his wife in the afternoon ; Mrs. George drawing a good deal, and reading ; and, during their stay, they received two or three intimate friends at intervals, from London. The 2nd October, 1828, saw the formal opening of the London University, with an inaugural lectui-e from Charles Bell, Professor of Surgery. The Tories bestirred themselves, and soon put forth a prospectus for a rival college, to be called King's College, as it was then, and as it continues to be called at this day. In November, there were already 312 students entered at the London University, a surprising start for the young insti- tution. Among other contributions, Coutts and Co. sent a donation of 300Z., whilst the elder Grote subscribed 1001. to King's College. The movement in behalf of Parliamentary Keform was steadily gathering strength during the years w^hicli suc- ceeded Mr. Canning's death in 1827. The leading organ of the Philosophical Radicals was the 'Westminster Keview,' * The portrait of this favourite mare — " Octavia" — painted by H. Hall, is still extant, forming a " pendant" to that of " Dora," the spitz-pet of the house. 1827-1830. PARLIAMENTARY REFORM. 59 directed by Mr. Bentham, the proprietor, to whose influence over the thinking portion of the public, the cause undoubtedly owed much. There was also " going," for a few years, an annual review of parliamentary proceedings, published under the direction of a few men of eminent ability — Messrs. Bing- ham, C. Austin, Macculloch, E. Strutt, and a few others — but this excellent periodical was ill-supported by the public, and came to an end in the winter of 1828. The ' Morning Chronicle ' and ' Examiner newspapers maintained the radical tone of current criticism out-of-doors with great ability ; and political reformers, generally, felt their hopes augment under the action of these and other active agencies of the period. But George Grote, whilst earnestly sympathizing with intellectual progress, took no part personally in politics. For these he had neither leisure nor inclination, nor indeed pecuniary means ; moreover, the commercial world underwent in these years more than one passage of agitation and anxiety ; demanding the best facul- ties and attention of men engaged in business in the City of London, to enable them to hold their ground. The banking-house of Grote and Prescott did so, however, and the partners found a generous support in the conduct of the customers of the firm, who, almost all of them, kept up their balances, confiding in the prudence and ability of the management. I have reason to know that the reputation of George Grote as a competent and wise banker, became at this period generally acknowledged, and that the result was an extension of the business of the house in Threadneedle Street. In 1829, the younger Prescott going abroad for his holi- days, the direction of the banking-house devolved almost entirely upon George Grote. He was so closely confined indeed, to business, as to be compelled to renounce attendance at the London University councils during the autumn months of that year. The study of Metaphysics and Mental Philosophy in general had always been one of the favourite pursuits of 60 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEOEGE GROTE. Chap. VL George Grote. In the winter of 1829, a small group of students in this branch of knowledge resumed the habit begun two years previous, of meeting at George Grote's house on two mornings of the week, at half-past eight a.m. They read Mr. Mill's last work, 'Analysis of the Pheno- mena of the Human Mind,' Hartley on Man, Dutrieux's Logic, Whately's works, &c., discussing as they proceeded, Mr. John Stuart Mill, Mr. Charles Buller, Mr. Eyton Tooke (son of Mr. Thos. Tooke), Mr. John Arthur Koebuck, Mr. G. J. Graham, Mr. Grant, and Mr. W. G. Prescott formed part of this class. Mr. George Grote was always present at their meetings, which lasted an hour, or an hour and a half, as time served. In the spring of the year 1830, Mr. G. Grote made an arrangement with his partners, Messrs. Prescott (father and son), by which he could execute a wish, long cherished, of making a holiday on the Continent. Mrs. George Grote eagerly seconding the plan, they left England in the first days of May, taking a sea passage from the Thames to Calais. From Calais they posted for\\ards in a light caleche, which William Prescott jun. had left at that city on returning from his own Swiss journey the year before. They reached Paris on the evening of the third day, after sleeping two nights on the road. They travelled without any servant, male or female, in order to avoid expense. George and his wife only intended to remain a week in Paris, a tour in Switzerland being the leading object of the excursion. But it came to pass that bad weather so entirely disheartened them, that they never carried, the Swiss project into effect.* In one of Mrs. Grote's " Note-books " of this date, as well as in her * Memoir of the ♦ Extract of Letter from IMrs. George Grote, at Paris, to Mrs. Lewin, at The Hollies, her Mother ; date 2Uh May, 1830. " This dissolution of the Chamber has entirely defeated our whole scheme. * * * * I do not remember much of Paris, though the smell iu the streets did recall it, forcibly. The stiuk which prevails universally, owing to their habit of watering 1827-1830. VISIT TO LAFAYETTE. Gl Life of Ary Scheifer,' published in 1861, will be found some particulars of this journey to Paris, including an account of a three days' visit at the Chateau of La Grange, near Melun. General de Lafayette was then residing there, surrounded by the numerous members of his family. George Grote and his wife were introduced to the La- fayette circle by M. Charles Comte. This gentleman had married the daughter of Jean Baptiste Say,* the eminent political economist, and had been forced to quit France, to avoid prosecution at the hands of the government of Charles the Tenth. The stay of Mr. and Mrs. George Grote in Paris, although in great measure spoiled by the invariably wet weather, was rendered interesting by the quality of the society to which they had access. Through the Say family, they formed acquaintances of value, among whom was M. Odilon Bcirrot, then a working lawyer and the intimate friend of Charles Comte. Political agitation was rife in Paris at this period. The resistance made in the Chamber by the famous 221 deputies had the effect of hastening the crisis which, it was evident, could not be long postponed.f George Grote and his wife hastened home in June, in pursuance of an urgent summons from their family. Leaving Mrs. George at Ramsgate, after a tempestuous passage of many hours (in a sailing vessel, of course), George hurried down to Badgemore, where he arrived too late to find his father still alive. The gradual decay of nature from para- lysis had terminated his life — happily, without suffering — at the age of seventy. the streets by means of the gutters, is perfectly peculiar to Paris, and certainly spoils the pleasure of going about in the streets. On the Boulevards, however, the stink is not so potent." * M. Leon Say, the grandson of Jean B. Say, became Prefect of the Seine in 1872, under the Eepuhlic. I In a memoir of Ary Schcflfer, the painter, published in 18G1, by Mrs. George Grote, a sketch is given of this stage of political change, drawn from personal sources of unq^uestionable value. 02 PERSONAL LIFE OP GEORGE GROTE. Chap. VII, CHAPTEE VII. 1830, 1831. With the death of Mr. Grote commenced a new era in the course of his son. Instead of a life of seclusion and com- parative restraint, divided between study and the banking- house duties, he found himself set free to act whatever part his choice might dictate.* He was now master of his own actions, and no longer fettered by the difference in political opinions between himself and his father. The Grote capital in the banking-house was bequeathed to George, subject to deduction for a share in behalf of his younger brother Charles, in case the latter thought fit to change from the mercantile house of Mortens and Grote ; in which his father had placed him. Charles Grote was at this time learning foreign business in a merchant's house at Trieste. George, now become the head of the family, inherited from his father the family estate in Lincolnshire, subject to a strict entail in case of his havino; no male heirs. He was like- * I am teinj)ted to quote here a passage from Goethe's aiito- biograpliy : — " All men of elevated nature, in the course of their development, acquire the consciousness that they have a double part to play in the world — an actual and an ideal ; and in this feeling the ground of all nobleness is to be looked for. " Man is, with regard to his higher destiny, always the subject of internal uncertainty until he, once for all, determines to regard that as the right course which is adaj)ted to his character and abilities." — [Sesenheim period.) In the mature period of his life George Grote followed the dic- tates of his own self-knowledge, and they directed him wisely. 1830, 1831. DEATH OF HIS FATHER. 63 wise named residuary legatee, by which he came into posses- sion of about 40,000Z. personal property. Although the fortune wliich now devolved upon him could hardly be termed large, it was amply sufficient for the desires and purposes of himself and his wife, and at once enabled them to adopt a more enlarged form of social existence. During the remainder of the year 1830, the duties of executorship occupied a vast deal of Mr. Grote's time, to the detriment of his historical labours. It was in the interval which followed upon the death of Mr. Grote, that the important out-of-doors movement arose which will ever be remembered as a marked epoch in English political annals. The whole of the autumn of 1830 and the beginning of the year 1831 were fraught with agitating excitement. The question of Parliamentary Reform became, in fact, the domi- nant subject in the public mind. All the old Liberals pressed forward to assist the movement. Public meetings began to be held, and vehement demonstrations in the provincial centres denoted a coming change of no small importance. But for the inexorable necessity of conducting the banking- house business, George Grote would have been inclined to fix his residence at Badgemore, but, in those days, forty miles from the City was too great a distance for a mercantile man. No railroad then existed, and the coach journey took five hours. Accordingly, the Oxfordshire estates were sold, and George and his wife began to search for a house in the neigh- bourhood of London ; his mother occupying the house in Devonshire Place which had for two or three years been inhabited by the family, after quitting Beckenham. . The year 1830, while it opened to George Grote a wider sphere of social and public activity, happened to be the turn- ing-point of domestic politics. The" French " Revolution of July," as it was called, produced such a ferment in the English mind, that it was found impossible to withstand the impatient demands for political reforms which existed 64 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. YH. throughout the nation. The first act which we have to record in connection with this lively and stirring impulse, on the part of George Grote, was his opening a credit with his bankers at Paris for five hundred pounds, for the use of the committee who took the direction of affairs at the Hotel de Ville, as representatives of tlie popular cause. (The following letter from M. Horace Say is introduced here as a document of some interest.) Horace Say to Mr. Grote. Paris, 2 Aout, 1830. Mon cher M. Grote ! ami zele de la liberte ! Yous savez deja notre victoire ! nous en sommes dans I'ivresse. En una bataille de quarante-huit heures nous avons ecrase le honteux gouvernement des Jesuites, et nous I'avons desaime de ses bayonnettes et de ses canons, sur lesquels il comj)tait tant. Nous avons ete tous bien touches de votre lettre a Comte ; elle fait le plus grand honneur a votre caractere et a vos sentimens, mais nous les connaissions deja et nous n'en avons pas ete surpris. Comte a pense que cela ferait du bien a la cause de montrer a quel point les patriotes anglais feraient cause commune avec nous, et il a fait inserer votre lettre dans le Constttidionnel, en retranchant seulement la signature. Je vous envoie ce journal. Comte est presque toujours a I'liotel de ville aupres de notre brave Lafayette ; il est extremement fatigue et ne vous ecrira que dans quelques jours. II vous envoie, ainsi que ma sceiar, mille amities. Nous avons souvent regrette que vous ne fussiez plus ici avec Mde. Grote, pensant que vous partageriez notre enthousiasme. ******* J'ai ime lettre de mon pere. * * * On s'est battu egalement a Nantes, et les citoyens sont maitres de la ville, a I'exception d'un cliateau fort, qui est au bord de la Loire. L'ex-roi, Charles X, a soupe bier a Rambouillet. L'on dit qu'il vicut d'envoyer demauder au gouvernement provisoire ou l'on veut qii'il se rend? Noxis soromes bien fatigues. Nous passons toutes les nuits sous les armes, et nous ne nous couchons que quand il fait jour. Votre tout devoue, H. S. r.S. — Mon frere Alfred est accourru nous joindre." 1830, 1831. 'FRENCH REVOLUTION. 65 G. G. to Ch. Comtb. LojJDRES, 2d juilltt 1830. Si je croyais etre de la plus petite utilite, je partirais a I'instant poui' Paris, quelqiie inconvenient qui en put resulter pour moi, et je viendi-ais partager les dangers et les efforts d'une si belle cause. Mais puisque je ne puis etre utile de cette maniere, je vous j)rie instamment de me permettre de rendi'e, par votre intermediaire, un petit service a la cause de la liberte. Je vous ai ouvert un credit cliez MM. J, Lafitte et Comp. de 500 liv. sterl. (12,700 fr.) que je desire ardemment que vous puissiez employer de la maniere que vous croirez la plus utile a la cliose publique. * * * * Adieu, mon cber ami ! puisse cette crise vous laisser, vous et la France, plus libres et mieux proteges que vous ne I'avez ete jusqu'^ present ! Postscriptum. — Je crois que vous ne devez pas avoir crainte sur aucune intervention de la part du gouvernement anglais. Le senti- ment public, ici, est tellement prononc6 centre les ordonnances, qu'il n'oserait jamais le braver. The occupations of a domestic and business kind, already- adverted to, joined to the attendance in Threadneedle Street, Ibrbade any excursions during this year, but study obtained its fair share of George Grote's leisure intervals. Much agitation prevailed during the winter on the subject of Parliamentary Reform, while the discontent, and even vio- lences of the provincial populations, especially in the manu- facturing districts, occasioned serious alarm among the upper classes in the country. It was unfortunate for George Grote that this feverish state of the public mind should have arisen at a moment when it was so difficult for him to mani- fest the sympathy he felt with it, for he was, just now, over- burdened with work. The function of executor to his father's estate involved extensive complications : many legatees (some in distant lands), numerous trusts to settle, estates to dispose of, law matters to adjust, and the like ; and with all this he had the onerous labours of a banker to sustain — the unsettled state of the country rendering the commercial world ex- tremely uneasy; nevertlieless, every spare moment was P 66 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEOEGE GROTE, Chap. VII. employed in aid of the movement out of doors, and a lively correspondence was maintained, as well by Mrs. Grote as himself, with the provincial representatives of the advanced Liberal party. Towards the winter of 1830 the general aspect of the political world became yet more disquieting. The circum- stance of King William IV. abandoning his intention of being present at the Lord Mayor's dinner, in November, was a significant portent ; and in March, 1831, the ever memor- able project of Eeform in Parliament was unfolded by Lord John Russell to the astonished Commons. The declaration of the Duke of Wellington, in November, 1830, had served to accelerate the change which it was evident must take place in the conduct of the Government. Earl Grey became Prime Minister in December, 1830, with a cluster of half- pay ofiScials — veteran attaches of the W^hig party — to which was added a solitary " outsider," who passed for a Eadical : viz. a certain Charles Poulett Thompson, a City man, member of a Russia merchant firm, who had indicated some know- ledge of political economy and finance. It will be more convenient henceforward to adopt the use of the personal pronoun, and I accordingly proceed to state that Mr. Grote and '* I " continued to occupy our house at Newington during the winter of 1830, though passing a por- tion of our time at our banking-house residence which, in fact, we kept " going " until the end of the following year. I find in my notes the following entry : — " December, 1830. " George has, in spite of the obstructions of business arising out of his executorship, managed to add several chapters to his ' History ' during the last five months." Again, on 24dh January, 1831 : — " Mr. Mill (James) has had a baddish spell of gout. Con- fined for two weeks, and is a good deal reduced. He is now become " Chief Examiner " at the India House. We dined with him in Queen Square on Sunday, 9th January, and in 1830, 1831. REFORM BILL. 67 consequence of his pressing request that George would put forth some thoughts on the Essentials of Parliamentary Eeform, he consented to employ the ensuing three weeks on the task. He has written already the half of a pamphlet on this subject, and my opinion is that it will be much approved " « * * * The winter of 1830, and the first eight months of 1831, were spent between the residences of Badgemore, Newing- ton, and Threadneedle Street, — Mrs. Grote much at the former place, arranging for the disposal of the estate and the personal effects attached to the family, whilst George Grote attended closely to business : mingling at times with the current of agitation then pervading the political world. He paid occasional visits to Badgemore, however, when he could steal a few days for such refreshment. During the spring of 1831 the house at Newington was given up, and Mrs. Grote passed a good deal of her time at the banking-house, because George Grote found it next to impossible to absent himself; such was the fever out-of-doors of anxiety concerning the fate of the Reform Bill. As this is not a history of the Reform movement, I purposely confine myself to such details as immediately relate to Mr. Grote's personal course. The warm interest with which he watched all the signs of public feeling naturally caused him to be regarded by his friends as a probable leader in the approaching struggle. I venture to introduce here a passage from my note-book of the period. "Fehruanj 1, 1831. "The 'History of Greece' must be given to the public before he can embark in any active scheme of a political kind. I have lately had, at times, a qualm of regret that I originally urged him to the undertaking. The crisis in public affairs is arrived more quickly than I then anticipated ; but his reputation must be created by the * opus magnum ' (as John Mill calls the ' History '), and after it shall have reflected a literary renown upon its author, he may hope to f2 68 PEKSONAL LIFE OF GEOEGE GROTE. Chap. VII. derive an importance in the public eye adequate to sustain liim in a political course." All this notwithstanding, a few weeks later so strong a pressure was exerted upon Mr. Grote to put himself forward as Member for the City, that a consultation was held (at Mr. James Mill's house, in West- minster) to discuss the matter. After some hours it was decided that Mr. Grote would not come forward. He then wrote to the Lord IMayor, entreating that he would stand, and offering to contribute 50^. towards election expenses. Mr. Grote himself became Chairman of the Committee for securing the election of the four aldermen, on the Liberal interest, and laboured unceasingly and, as it turned out, suc- cessfully, to that end. I pass over the exciting events of the next few months, which culminated in the rejection of the Eeform Bill by the Lords in the month of October, 1831, only giving insertion to two letters received by George Grote at this date, by way of illustrating the feeling of the working classes in the manufacturing districts, and the excitement in the Metro- polis. Birmingham, Wi October, 1831. You will see that we are, as usual here, acting politics wholesale. I had hard work to get the " Big Wigs " up last Friday, but we had then an excellent meeting. Yesterday, however, oiit-Heroded Herod. One hundred thousand persons is no trifle ! The tone just went wp to the marJc, but not beyond. I had taken great pains for two days to put Attwood and Edwards in the right tune on the docu- ments and speeches. I never saw anything so imposing, and shall never see the like again. Gregory and I were all day next to Att- wood, and anxious to get our Eeport sent to town, and see that it broke no law. Two or three of us were up most of the night, and again at six this morning, to get the Eeport composed and fit to go to printer, which at half-past seven a.m. we accomplished, and sent it off to the ' Times ' and ' Chronicle.' * * * * The Government is afraid of the people breaking loose ; it is impossible, if they but stick to the helm. I have written to Lord Althorp to-day saying, that if Lord Grey, like the pilot, jumps overboard in the storm to save his character, we shall go to the bottom all together. I believe, however, that six of us here could 1830, l«3l. REFORM BILL. 69 order the people, as a field officer at a review puts his regiment through their exercise. » * * * Joseph Paekes. Francis Place to George Grote. 2Qth October, 1831. Since I sent the copy of my letter to Sir Francis Burdett for your perusal, I have been all but overwhelmed with people, all asking what can be done. * * * * Mr. Hume was here, to consult as to the replies he should make to some forty letters from persons in various parts of Scotland, in which the same question was asked, " What can we do f " We settled it thus : that they may have the reform which has been proposed if they will show that they really desire to have it ; and to show this desire they must fonn themselves into unions, and endeavour to procure as many petitions to Parliament and memorials to the King as they can, and they are recommended to adopt some model and make all their petitions and memorials as much alike as they can. This, too, is the advice I have given to any one I have seen : I have said, " Join the National Union, and do all you can to establish County, Town, Parish, and Trade Unions," and many are busily employed in doing so. If the great National Union, of which Burdett has so spii'itedly consented to become the Chairman, shall, as I hope it will, make a great splash, hundreds of others will be formed on the same plan. I had a long conversation with Bm-dett this morning, who seems well disposed to do anything and everything to obtain the Bill ; and Mill, in reply to a note of mine, says, " Your advice to the people who talk to you is the best possible. I saw Beauclerk and Perry to-day (yesterday), and am rejoiced to find that Sir Francis consents." Now comes the request, repeated, that you will give your name for the Council : it will consist of thii-ty-six : some M.P.'s and the others men of character and influence from all parts of the Metropolis. * » ♦ * The Council will appoint a committee of five to transact the ordinary business, but not to i)ublish anything, nor to call public meetings ; the Council alone can do these things, so I think you may fairly join. » » * » 70 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. VIIL CHAPTER VIII. 1832, 1833. " The History draws ahead, and I trust will continue in pro- gress steadily through the ensuing winter." (Diary, Nov. 1831.) In December, there occurs another entry : — " Mr. Grote has steadily plied his labours, and the History waxes in volume. The year 1831 has been eventful, and to us exces- sively laborious. The state of politics continues lowering, though all parties expect to carry ' the Bill.' Commerce is especially diseased : profits low, and confidence restricted. Our house has had a very unprotitable year, owing to losses by swindlers and rotten merchants." * I pass over a cloud of stirring incidents connected with the progress of the Eeform Bill, only noticing one, viz., that Mr. Grote addressed a letter to Earl Grey, earnestly deprecating any modification in his Bill for Reform. To this letter Lord Grey returned a courteous and reassuring * As evidence of the mastery which George Grote had acquired over the science of banking, finance, and the like, I insert here a note of Mr. Warburton's to Mrs. Grote : — " You must allow me to congratulate you on the very good examination which your George passed at the Bank Committee ; all members of the committee allowing that he was a most capital witness. " I am obliged to go to-morrow, for a day or two, to a Eeform dinner at Bridport ; but when I return, unless you think my offence on Simday unpardonable, I shall beg to do honour to your husband, in person, for his good evidence. " Yours very truly, " House of Commons, " Henry Warburton. " August 7th, 1832." 1832, 1833. CANDIDATE FOR LONDON. 71 answer. Mr. Grote also wrote urgently to Lord Durham at this time. Few passages in the domestic annals of a nation can com- pare, for exciting interest, with those of the year 1832. But I must hasten on. After the passing of the Reform Bill in its final shape, Mr. Grote found himself unable longer to resist the force of events, and accordingly announced himself (in June) a candidate for the City of London. I here give his public address : — To THE Electors of the City of London. Gentlemen, — The time has now arrived for me to renew my application for the honour of your suffrages in the approaching Parliament, and to announce briefly the principles which will guide my politi- cal conduct, if by your choice I should be placed in the exalted station of Eepresentative of the City of London. I have long advocated the cause of Paeliamentary Eeform, and I hail the Eeform Bill as the first step towards a series of great and essential ameliorations, which it will be my anxious desire to accomplish in their fullest extent. Yet I cannot deem the Bill itself to have been fairly put on trial, until it shall have been strengthened by two subsidiary improvements, indispensable to the efficacy of any Eepresentative system — the Vote by Ballot and Triennial Elections. Without the Ballot, free and conscientious voting is imattainable : without Triennial Elections, the pm*est system of voting will fail to ensure in the member chosen a steady feeling of accountability to the people. The oligarchical interest hitherto predominant in our Legisla- tiure have kept up an exorbitant scale of public expenditure, fruit- ful in corrupt influence, and oppressive as well as demoralizing to the nation. This long-standing course of abuse it will be among my earliest endeavours to rectify. A speedy inq^uiry must be instituted by the Eeformcd Parlia- ment into the constitution and Eevenues of the Church op England. I shall lend my best aid to extinguish the sinecures, t(t abridge the excessive emoluments, and to correct the unequal distribution of service and stipend, which now disfigure that Establishment. Persuaded, as I am, that Tithe is one of the worst possible modes of raising a revenue, cither for Church or 72 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. VIII. State, I shall seek the best and earliest opportunity of abolishing it, with such accompanying measm-es as shall prevent private interests from unduly gaining, or unduly suffering, by the aboli- tion. In selecting such Taxes as a strict economy will enable Parlia- ment to remove, I shall fix upon those which either press peculiarly on persons of small income, or cramp the operations of industry, or produce indirect mischief independent of the simple hardship of payment. One most injui'ious description of imposts especially — The Taxes on Knowledge — I shall zealously exert myself to repeal without delay. The weight of our taxation, great as it must inevitably re- main, is seriously aggravated by many of the existing restrictions on trade. I shall endeavour gradually to disengage the country from this impolitic com*se of legislation ; which withdraws industry from its most productive employments, deprives the exporting manufacturer of his foreign market, and lays a burden on the general public for the benefit of a privileged few. Among the worst of these restrictive enactments are the present CoEN Laws, which artificially heighten the price of the first neces- sary of life, and impose uj)on us a cruel imcertainty in its price from year to year. I desire to exchange them for a moderate fixed duty, equivalent only to those charges which press peculiarly upon the cultivation of laud, as compared with other employments of capital. With respect to the constitution of the East India Company and the government of our Indian territories, I await fuller discus- sion before I make up my mind : but it is my decided opinion, that the trade with China ought to be thrown open to private enter- prise. I am disposed to recommend the renewal of the Charter of the Bank of England for a short period, under certain modifications. It would be hazardous and unadvisable to allow any multiplication of Companies issuing notes in London ; and I think that the Bank Directors are better fitted to fulfil the great trust of administering the currency on sound and inflexible principles, than any Board immediately nominated by Government. The profit of such a cui-- rency, ever and above a reasonable compensation to the Bank for management, should accrue to the nation. Moreover, the general rate of remuneration, paid to the Bank for other services, must be revised; and, above all, the Bank aflairs ought to be fully and habitually made public. 1832, 1833. ELECTED FOR LONDON. 73 I view the continuance of Slavery as a deep stain on the national character, and shall anxiously seek to abolish it at the earliest period consistent with the permanent well-being of the Slaves themselves. It is my fervent hope that effective steps will shortly be taken towards simplifying Law proceedings, and rendering justice cheaper and more accessible to the people. All measures tending towards this most salutary end shall receive my cordial support. I shall be active in promoting the extension of Education universally throughout the people — a blessing of inestimable price, and worthy of a Refonned Parliament to confer. To advance the well-being and imj^rove the character of the Labouring Classes, is, in my eyes, an object of paramount importance ; and much may be done towards it by diffusing wholesome instruction on social and economical subjects, as well as by keeping the necessaries of life untaxed, and favouring, instead of disturbing, the natural distribu- tion of capital. On all matters of Legislation, where the Trade of the City of London, or the welfare of its residents, is especially concerned, I shall be particularly watchful and attentive. My commercial position, connecting me as it does in the most intimate manner with the comfort and prosperity of the City of London, will give me additional motive to discharge with alacrity this class of the duties of your Eepresentative. I have the honour to remain, Gentlemen, Your very obedient Servant, George Grote. 62, Threadneedle Street, October 22nd, 1832. Meanwhile, ]\[r. and Mrs. Grote made a recreative tour into the Middle counties (taking saddle-horses with them) which excursion in some sort repaired the effects on their health of a fatiguing and anxious summer. The City election came on early in December, immediately after the dissolution of Parliament : '* George Grote " heading the poll, with a majority of {i24: votes. I take leave to insert here another quotation from my private journal : — " I doubt if ever I shall experience again the intense happiness of those inspiring moments, when I looked down on the heads of 4000 free citizens in Guildhall, cheering and echoing the 74 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. VIIL sentiments which for years we had privately cherished, hut which were now first fearlessly avowed." Mrs. Grote to her Father, Thomas Lewin, Esq. Threadneedle Street, 11th December, 1832. Dear Papa, — Tliinking you will like to know how the Election concluded, I enclose a card of the close of the Poll, which you will see gives "Grote" a splendid majority. It is said no Memher for London ever polled so many votes, viz. 8788. He is now the Senior Member for the capital of the Empire ; at least he will be declared so to-morrow, we know, if he lives. He made a very good speech to-day, to a crowded hall. I should think not fewer than 6000 people were present : hall lit tip with gas chandeliers ; and the silence profound, so that I heard every word. He spoke ^rs^, of course, and the shouts and j)laudits shook the venerable edifice with their echoes. Such a spectacle is rarely witnessed. Guildhall seemed paved with heads to the very corners. * * * * I remain, Your dutiful and affectionate daughter, H. Grote. P.S. — Seventy clerks at work all day and night of yesterday — for Grote's committee at the King's Head alone. What an ap- paratus ! Extract from diary, close of 1832. — " The exaltation in which we both lived during this period is, now, absolutely diverting to reflect upon. We could not sleep, and the day seemed ever big with events. William George Prescott was the life and soul of our committee, and was instrumental to an eminent degree iu conducting the details of the elec- tion to their triumphant issue." Eabl of Durham to George Grote. SuDBROOK Park, December 12th, 1832. My dear Sir, — Permit me to offer you my sincere congratulation on your election — than which nothing could have been more triumjjhant, or more gratifying to those who admire your political principles, and 1832, 1833. ADVOCATES THE BALLOT. 75 who feel oonfideut as I do that, owing to your exertions in Parlia- ment, we shall derive something more from the Reform Bill than the mere removal of ancient abuses. Believe me, yours very truly, Durham. Mr. Grote applied himself during the winter to studying the currency question, the Bank Charter, and other cognate subjects. The History was laid on the shelf, unavoidably, not without a pang on the part of its author, or regrets on the part of his wife. To return to the personal arrangements of the period. The estate at Badgemore was sold in 1831, its distance from London forming, as has been stated, an insuperable obstacle to living there. I should mention that towards the spring of 1832, Mrs. Grote fixed her choice upon a house about five miles distant from the City, and George con- curring therein, they purchased " Dulwich Wood," a com- modious residence situate about half a mile beyond Dulwich College, with gardens and some acres of meadow land, held on lease under that corporation. Much of the furniture be- longing to Badgemore was carted across country to Dulwich Wood, including the family pictures and library.* In the beginning of 1833 Mr. and Mrs. Grote dined in Threadneedle Street with William George Prescott ; his other guests being Henry Warburton, John Romilly, Joseph Hume, and James Mill. After some discussion it was settled that Mr. Grote should be the person to undertake the Ballot question in the ensuing session of Parliament. This question of the Ballot — I must here take occasion to observe — had been actively canvassed for some time prior to the introduction of the Eeform Bill. It always formed a leading article of the Radical faith, and in point of fact * The furniture of the house in Devonshire Place, including a large number of books, was given by George to his motlier, who shortly after quitted Devonshire Place and settled herself at a pleasant house on Clapham Common. 76 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. VIIL it was inserted, at the pressing instance of Lord Durham (a member of Lord Grey's Cabinet) into the original draft of the Reform Bill, although subsequently left out. When, in 1831, it was understood that Grote would not come forward for the City, Mr. Henry Warburton, the Member for Bridport, bestirred himself with a view to making the Ballot the subject of a motion in Parliament. This gentleman was a wealthy timber-merchant of London, having extensive pre- mises in Lambeth, where he carried on his business. He was a Fellow of the Royal Society, and had obtained some distinction as a scholar and man of science, when at Cambridge. He was at this time a sincere and zealous Radical, and such men were of the utmost value as sup- porters of the Liberal cause in Parliament, being few in number, though in some measure distinguished for ability. It may interest the reader to peruse the annexed letter from Mr. Warburton on the subject of the Ballot : — Henry Waeburton to George Grote. 25, Cadogan Place, ISth January, 1831. Pray inform me in what cases the voting by the Km/tos was used at Athens, or in any other Greek State ; and whether there is any mention made of the voting by ballot in Aristotle's Politics ? In Sismondi's ' History of the Italian Eepublics,' I find that the ballot was used in elections at Florence dm-ing one period of its history ; and in Davie's ' History of Venice,' the mode of voting by ballot is described ; but the practice of the jealous oligarchy of the latter State is not good for much as a precedent, though Harrington, in his ' Oceana,' falls in love with it, and gives a pictiire of the process of balloting. You know Parkes, of Birmingham; that he has taken much pains in investigating the effects of the ballot in the United States you are also aware, probably. I should be very glad to be fortified on that head (of example and authority) by any information he could give me, inasmuch as Mr. Maclane, the American Minister here, declares himself an enemy to the system, and will be quoted as authority and voucher for its bad efiects. Sir Kobert Wilson spoke of a motion for adopting the ballot 1832, 1833. THE REFORM PARTY. 77 having been negatived in Virginia. I thought that, in elections for representatives to Congress, the voting by ballot had, in that State, been long introduced. Could you write to Mr. Parkes, and obtain from him, on the subject of Virginia in particular, some eclaircissement for my use ? After the dinner at Prescott's mentioned above, in 1833, Warburton readily left the field open for his younger col- league. In reviewing the events of the period, and the cir- cumstances which accompanied the elections for the City of London — as well in 1831 as in 1832 — it is incumbent upon me to make some observations. The movement in favour of Keform was not seconded (I may almost say not countenanced) by the wealthy and influential class ; it was the middle and lower sections of the citizens who promoted and worked, personally, for the Liberal cause. Not without much diiBculty could any names of mark be enlisted, to sup- port and extend demonstrations of popular sentiment set on foot by a small knot of ardent partisans of Reform. On George Grote and his personal friends the labour principally fell, and he not unfrequently avowed, in letters to other agitators in the cause, that the apathy, not to say aversion to Reform, on the part of the City magnates, was unraistake- able. Among the honourable exceptions may be cited the names of Samuel Jones Loyd, William George Prescott, Lewis Loyd, W. Tooke, William Whitmore, Hugh Johnston, Henry Warburton, James Pattison, Richard Norman, John Travers, and John Smith, M.P. But the real strength of the Liberals lay with the middle class of the citizens, sustained by the liverymen, for the most part, who were really sincere in their wishes for reform. Mr. Grote had. employed as his chief agent Mr. Jos. Croucher, who, with a staff of clerks, worked steadily at Mr. Grote's private residence in Threadneedle Street during four months ; going through the poll-books, and registering the voters for canvass. 78 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. VIIL It was not the custom for candidates for the City of London to make a personal canvass of the h'very and freemen. But they attended evening meetings, not unfrequently, and thus made known to local assemblages of the citizens their views and opinions on political subjects. The work of can- vassing the voters was carried on by agents, paid and volun- tary. A committee conducted the details of the election, on which many zealous partisans were enrolled, of the mercan- tile profession and others — Mr. John Travers, Mr. David Wire (afterwards Lord Mayor of London), and the brothers John and Richard Taylor, the eminent Printers, being among the most effective members. I cannot forbear giving here a copy of a letter which throws a strong light upon the course of the Eeform move- ment. This month of May, 1832, was indeed the critical point of the political struggle, and, at the distance of forty years, it is well to recall to the present generation examples of active patriotism worthy of the best days in our domestic annals. Wyndham Club, London, 18th May, 1832. My dear Mrs. Crote, — I received yoiu* Manifesto this moment, as I always do with pleasure and gratification. I am sitting quietly here, to recruit and T/rite a few letters ; fully intending, if you are at Dulwich, to come down to tea and sleep, for I am nearly blown up with fatigue. You say right— that a more glorious gratification than my arrival at Attwood's house, on Monday morning, could never fall to my lot. I arrived at my own door at six. In one hour I sent letters and expresses to all the towns within fifteen miles, directing meetings to he instantly held by beat of drum and bells, and theii" addresses to be expressed back to me by four that after- noon. In that hour, between six and seven, the inhabitants of the whole town of Birmingham were tiunbling into the streets, and the bells clamming. At seven I started in a chaise and four (the horses decorated with blue ribbons) to Attwood's cottage. The sun never shone brighter or more smilingly in an English spring. The meadows were embroidered with every colour and 1832, 1833. LETTER FROM MR. PARKES. 79 blossom of the May flowers ; tlae blackthorn pushing into bloom, and the birds singing sweetly. On my arrival at the village, — a retired country hamlet buried in trees in full leaf, — Attwood was in bed, his whole family really expecting warrants for high treason or sedition. I need not tell you what were the grateful sensations of the whole family, or the tears of the women. The country villagers, ardently attached to him, had really watched his house, and lay all night, with arms, in the shrubberies ! After an hour's breakfast and purification, Attwood and I adjourned into his study to prepare the " Resolutions " and Addi-esses. In an hour after- wards, half-a-dozen members of the Council came up in cars, and I had to wage an hour's war with these ultra, but honest, men to agree to prudent documents. By half-past nine, upwards of 10,000 persons, with bands and banners, were in Attwood's pleasure- grounds, playing cheering national airs. At half-past ten or eleven, we moved off" towards Birmingham in the carriage, and half-way, — a mile and a half from Birmingham, — the whole body of inhabitants met us, and the procession paraded through the town. The scene was animated beyond description — Canaletti only could paint it ; Sir Walter Scott only describe it in the English language. The proceedings of the meeting you know tolerably accui-ately from the public papers. The deputation leaving the town reminded me of the old Scriptural descriptions of public meetings of the children of Israel; and oxir entrance into Coventry was of a similar triumphal description. During the whole day we told the people that they might have to make great sacrifices, and to contend for their liberties — that life and property must be respected. Our arrival in London, and subsequent proceedings here, you know well. Lord Durham told us last night, at a meeting of good men at Ellice's, that " the country owed Eeform to Birmingham, and its salvation from revolution to the last stroke." As far as concerns myself and what you say, I am, virtuously I believe, gratified to reflect that, by temper and energy, I have been able to contribute so much to the great cause ; and further, grateful to many friends who appreciate what I have done at so much cost of time and mental anxiety. The monetary part you allude to is the least, because the sacrifice of part of two years' income to avert a revolution is a matter of self-interest. That, to avert Revolution, always sate most anxiously and weightily on my mind ; but if we had been over-reached this week by the Boroughmongers, I and two friends should have made the Ecvolution, whatever the cost. I had written to General J , and had got a cover to Colonel N , 80 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. VIIL and woiild have had both in Birmingham, and a Count Chopski (a Pole), by Monday ; and I tliinh we could have prevented anarchy, and set all right in two days. I have had great advantage in seeing behind the scenes. Only think that, at three yesterday, all was gloomy foreboding in the Cabinet, and at twenty-five minutes before five last night. Lord Althorp did not know the King's answer, till Lord Grey returned at half -past five, — "all right!" Thus, on the decision of one man, rests the fate of nations ! Can such a principle of government hold much longer — ought it to do so longer than we can do without it ? Any power I may get I hope will ever be exerted in the same cause — that flattery will not blind or mislead me — money not cor- rupt me ; and sincerely I say it, Bowring's introduction of me to Bentham, and Gregory's to George Grote and Mill, created all the power and moral courage I have brought to bear in favour of the People. I send you a curious placard — a fine stroke — at Birmingham, on Thursday last week, when the Duke appeared to be making his " entree" to power. It shewed that my call on even the better classes was answered by admirable men, who came to the breach, and ought to share the merit. I mean to sleep at Dulwich Wood to-night, and shall come at nine, for I am done up. Lord, what a letter you have set me off" ujion. Yours ever, Mrs. G. Grote. Joseph Paekes. The venerable founder of that school of political philosophy which has influenced the course of legislative reform, more or less, for the last fifty years — Jeremy Bentham — closed his eyes in 1832, just when the Keform Bill had been carried through Parliament. Part of a letter to Mrs. Grote is inserted here, mentioning the fact with tender respect. Pauis, l(Mh June, 1832. I like John Mill's notice of our revered friend (Jeremy Bentham) extremely. I took my leave of the beloved old man the day fortnight before he died. He kissed me most affectionately, and I left him persuaded it teas the last time. Since the last embrace of my father I have felt nothing like it, 1832, 1833. DEATH OF JEREMY BENTHAM. 81 for I loved him with as much fondness as reverence. I saw a letter from Mrs. P. Taylor to-day. She had just seen Madame Duval, with her little hoy,* two months old, well and happy. Paris is, of course, very lugubre. C. BuUer imj)lores me to take him to you. Do have him : he is a good lad, and wants nothing hut such society as yours and Mr. Grote's to make him an earnest servant of the public. The more I know him, the better I think of him. S. A. But for the all-engrossing peril which menaced the Reform Bill in May, 1832, Jeremy Bentham would have paid a visit to Mr. and Mrs. Grote at Dulwich Wood. The day was even fixed, and Mrs. Grote had received the Sage's instruc- tions about his bedroom, and the accommodation to be pro- vided for Mr, Richard Doane (his amanuensis), &c. But " the Wellington week " supervening, Mr. Grote sent a hasty note to bis wife, — '* I pray you put off the old gentleman, for it is impossible for me to quit London at this momentous juncture, and yet I should deeply regret to appear negligent of him." Mrs. Grote accordingly did so, but the illustrious guest died very shortly afterwards. Indeed he might very likely have died at Dulwich Wood, had he gone thither, so nearly had his sands run out. * Kaoul Duval, the " Depute " in 1872. 82 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. IX. CHAPTER IX. 1833. Having uow conducted the narrative down to what may be termed the threshold of the House of Commons, I pause to take a survey of the past, and note the transition from com- parative obscurity to distinction. A laborious youth, a studious manhoorl, and habits of seclu- sion, were the leading features of George Crete's personal life, up to the winter of 1832. That " volume," so to speak, is about to close, and a new one to commence of a very different character. His entrance upon public life came somewhat hurriedly, owing to the impetuous tide which forced him to step upon the stage earlier than he could have wished ; but there was, for him, no drawing back, and Crete accordingly " girded up his loins " for the task which awaited him. He had just completed his 88th year, and was consequently in the prime of manhood. His health was good, he had no children, and though by no means free from burdensome obligations of the business kind, he calculated upon the pos- session of sufficient time to enable him to justify the expec- tations of his constituents, and the confidence of his friends. In 1832 the house which George Crete had long occupied in the City was given up to his brother Charles, who now became a partner in the firm of Prescott, Crete, and Co. : the residence at Dulwich being established as future " head- quarters " of the new Member. The interval between his election and the taking his seat as one of the Members for the City of London on the 4th of February, 1833, was sedulously devoted to the preparation of a speech upon the Ballot, a motion for the introduction of which he announced for an early day in Marcli. 1833. MAIDEN SPEECH IN PARLIAMENT. 83 In anticipation of the arduous labours of the session about to commence, we hired commodious lodgings in the immediate neighbourhood of the House of Commons, where we now spent four or five days of the week, returning to Dulwich Wood on the Saturdays. A few " Kadical " friends, Members of Par- liament and others, usually joined our circle on the Sundays. When the day for the motion on the Ballot arrived, I made a point of being present in what was called " the Lantern " of the House of Commons, in order to hear Grote deliver his maiden speech. The House of that day was ventilated by means of a circular opening in the roof, around which some ten or twelve persons might be so placed as to hear, and to a certain extent see, what passed in the body of the House. There was, on this afternoon, a full attendance of Members, and profound silence and attention prevailed during the delivery of the speech, except when interrupted by manifes- tations of applause. Grote's voice, though not a powerful one, was distinctly heard, and he spoke throughout without faltering or embarrassment — the speech occupied rather more than one hour, and when Grote sat down, a cordial cheer arose which lasted several minutes. Immediately afterwards, a young Member * joined me up- stairs, in the roof of the House ; with a voice half-stifled with emotion, he poured out his admiration of Grote's perform- ance, adding that, in listening to the speech, he had ex- perienced a sort of feeling made up of envy and despair ; " For," he said, " I am persuaded that I shall never make any aj)p roach to Grote's excellence." The success of the Parliamentary debut was generally recognized, indeed, as well by those who differed from the speaker as by the members of the Radical party. The speech was immediately printed and circulated, and the Ballot question received an impulse which seemed to reach the farthest corners of the empire, judging from the letters which followed upon the debate of this evening. * Sir William Moleswortb, Bart., M.P. for East Cornwall. G 2 84 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. IX. The effect produced by this, his maiden speech, throughout the country, was indisputably favourable. The Keformers, of course, were elate at the acquisition of so able a leader, whilst the Liberal press became loud in jDraise of their new champion. Within the House of Commons the new Member for London was at once recognised as a man of intellectual force, and one likely to exercise influence as a speaker. I may here mention in reference to this period that, some twenty years later, the late Lord Broughton, talking with Mrs. Grote respecting the public career of her husband, used these words, " I have been in Parliament all my life, have listened to the orators of the century, Mr. Canning among the rest, and I long ago made up my mind that tlie two best speeches I ever heard within those walls were (1) Macaulay's speech on the Copyright question, and (2) Grote's first speech on the Ballot ; in this opinion (Lord Broughton added) the late Speaker, Mr. James Abercrombie, concurred with me." It was unfortunate for the party that Lord Grey's govern- ment should have deemed fit to introduce a measure certain to cause a division in the Liberal camp. With every disposi- tion to support the Ministry, Grote found himself frequently in opposition to it. The Irish Coercion Bill excited the disapproval of the " Philosophical Eadicals," and the session, generally, disappointed expectation. I here insert a letter from one of the City constituents, which affords an example of tlie sentiment prevalent out-of-doors forty years ago. Edward Portwine to George Gi.ote, CARTHuyiAN Stkeet, Fihfuanj 2urd, 1S33. I received yesterday your kind reply to my request, wherciu you have been so good as to say you will have pleasure in for- warding an order on another occasion. You must be aware that the public mind is greatly agitated by the Coercive Bill about to be introduced to the House of Commons. * * * How will a reformed Parliament deal with this measure ? will it agree to deluge that country in blood ? will it acquiesce in a Bill that puts Ireland out of the pale of the English Constitution ? If it does, the people 1«33. CONDUCT IN PARLIAMENT. 85 of England will renew the cry for reform, for they will be conscious that Parliament does not speak their sentiments. I have not met with a single individual (and I have taken some pains to ascertain the sentiments of many) who does not shudder when asked what he thinks of this sanguinary Ministerial Bill. * * * * One word (and I deal not in fulsome panegyrick) concerning your conduct in the House as a legislator. You have acquitted yourself in a most noble and indej)endent manner, and for the first time I feel myself represented. Persevere in this course, and your career will be bright, and your reward the imperishable gratitude of your fellow-countrymen. I remain. Dear Sir, Your obedient servant, Edward Poktwine. Nothing, indeed, could well be more unpleasant than the whole course of politics at tlie dawn of this Reform era. What with stormy debates on Irish coercive measures, Irish tithes, Irish Church Reform, including the question termed the " Appropriation Clause," the unlucky division for the repeal of the malt tax, the fruitless remonstrances in favour of economy on the part of the veteran Joseph Hume and others, the unruly conduct of the Irish Members, the noisy agitation kept up by the Birmingham Union (resulting in a violent fray in, the Coldbath Fields, and the killing of a policeman), the clamour for the repeal of all the principal taxes, the retirement of Mr. Stanley from the office of Secretary of Ireland, the loss of Sir John Hobhouse's seat for Westminster, — all these and some other untoward cir- cumstances caused an amount of irritation and disappoint- ment, painful to the mind of one whose life had been hitherto passed in the society of books rather than of men. However, Grote came gallantly to the support of the Govern- ment against Sir W. Ingilby's motion for the repeal of the malt tax : he being far too good a financier to sanction the withholding the means of carrying on the Government, without providing a substitute for the tax given up. This vote 86 PEESONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. IX. called forth much displeasure among Grote's City supporters, who, in common with all the new constituencies, considered Reform as embodying relief from fiscal burdens.* Notwithstanding the untoward course of affairs which has been noted above, within the' walls of St. Stephen's, the number as well as the importance of the measures pushed through Parliament in this first session is enough to astonish the modern politician. The germ of that principle upon which, thirty-five years later, the disestablishment of the Protestant Church in Ireland was based, dates from 1833. The " Appropriation Clause," indeed, set the Cabinet " by the ears " from the beginning, and it was only abandoned for a season (in deference to the sentiments of an influential section of their supporters) to be afterwards revived to the discomfiture of more than one ministry. The East India Charter, the Bank Charter, the Irish Tithe Bill, the Com- mittee on Sinecures (resulting in the abolition of thirteen hundred and odd places), and lastly, a proposal to emancipate tlie slaves in our West Indian possessions, at a cost of twenty millions sterling, — all these, involving changes of prodigious magnitude, were among the measures brought forward by Earl Grey's government; a formidable "bill of fare," certainly, for one session ! Grote took an active part in some of the debates, especially those concerning the Bank Charter, as well as in the duty of serving on Committees. Parliament at length rose on the 29th of August, having sat ever since the 4th of February, nearly seven mortal months ! It is curious to reflect how little credit was obtained out-of-doors, in return for these fatiguing patriotic labours. It is not consonant with my purpose to explain the * One of the foremost of the young Radical party voted along with Grote on this division ; after awhile some others of the Re- formers, finding tJieij had made a mistake, asked him how he had discerned the proper course. " I did not discern it," replied Sir W. M., " and I voted with fear and trembling ; but I saw Grote going out, and thought I could not do wrong by following him" 1833. END OF SESSION. 87 causes which produced so infructuous a result: enough to state the fact that a general dissatisfaction prevailed. No substantive reduction of taxation had been effected ; Mr. Tennyson's motion in favour of triennial Parliaments met with the same fate as Mr, Groto's on the Ballot ; and the advanced Liberals found themselves decidedly less powerful than they had expected, or their opj)onents had feared, they would become, in a reformed House of Commons. The session of 1833 being over at last, Grote and his wife set forth on a recreative excursion, travelling in their phae- ton, and taking also a couple of saddle-horses. They visited the border counties of Wales, returning through Wiltshire, seeing on the way Stourhead and the impressive ruins of Stonehenge. Grote was much refreshed by this journey, which in fact was essential to the restoration of his health, sensibly exhausted by both Parliamentary and business labours. They passed, after the month of September was ended, a quiet four months at Dulwich Wood. The bank- ing-house, of course, occupied Grote on three or four days of the week; but he usually rode to the City and back, which exercise was beneficial to him. I find in my note- book of this date an entry which will be interesting : — " G. did not apply himself, as I earnestly besought him, to the furtherance of his History during the winter ; but per- mitted himself to graze about the field of letters — a pro- pensity with which he is not in general reproachable, having usually had distinct objects in view in his studious hours. This winter, he has indulged in all manner of promiscuous reading, and has written fewer memoranda in connection with books than I ever recollect him to have done in the same period. I very much apprehend that he will continue this desultory habit of reading, and feel it painful to resiime the old labours to which he once applied himself with fond attention and sustained energy. I see, too, a growing de- mand in his mind for the acquisition of Physical Science, Geology and Chemistry in particular." "88 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Ciia['. IX. The excitement and variety incident to public life certainly had the effect of disturbing those habits of consecutive study which had hitherto been the rule of conduct with George Grote. At the same time, a consciousness of his growing reputation, accompanied with the hope of achieving better results in the coming session, did lend special interest to the political stage ; and thus, for a season, the History became comparatively neglected. We saw little company at Dulwich Wood this winter, and that little was of the purely political class. We dined abroad but once, and then it was with Mr. Grote's mother, at Clapliam Common. 183i. NEW SESSION. - S\) CHAPTER X. 1834. Parliament meeting early in February, it was not long before Grote found himself called upon to undertake a some- what onerous duty. Lord Althorp (then leader of the House of Commons) addressed to him the following letter, to which he could return but one answer : — Downing Street, 27th February, 1834. My dear Sir, — I shall be very much obliged to you if you will take the chair of the Committee on Sinecures, which I shall move for to- morrow. Your station in the House as Member for the City, and your kuown opinions, will give that confidence to the public in the committee which is in such a case so essentially necessary. Believe me. My dear Sir, Yours most truly, Althorp. The session of 1834 opened with a " wrangle " between O'Con- nell and the Government — a most unseemly, and, as it turned out, fruitless quarrel — terminating in what was jocosely called "the Tittle-tattle Committee," wherein Mr. 8heil and Mr. Littleton each cut but a sorry figure. This disagreeable passage over, the House of Commons was next regaled with several nights' discussion concerning the case against a cer- tain Baron Smith, of the Irish bench, for improper conduct as a judge. Then came the subject of Repeal, which was met by an address to the King : and this being carried by 523 votes against 38 and adopted by the House of Peers, Repeal was shelved, for a time at least. In June, a memo- rable incident arose out of Mr. H. G. Ward's motion respect- 90 PEKSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. X. ing the revenues of the Irish Churcli. A work recently pub- lished gives a careful and comprehensive account of the speech of Mr. Ward, and it is added that "the motion was seconded by Mr. Grote, at the conclusion of whose speech Lord Althorp rose, and requested the House to adjourn, in consequence of circumstances which had come to his know- ledge since he entered it." The results of this affair were a partial break-up of the Ministry; succeeded, after a time, by what the French call a " Keplatrage " of the Cabinet. The author of the work to which I have alluded (and wliich, I may say, in passing, appears to me a trustworthy History of the period) will be surprised to learn that Mr. Ward's speech was never delivered. On his rising to make the motion in question, he was stopped by Lord Althorp's announcement, and the House forthwith adjourned. It is hardly necessary to add that Mr. Grote, who certainly had agreed to second Mr. Ward's motion, spoke not a word either. On the news being spread abroad, the two Kadicals became the object of loudly expressed censure by the members of the Whig party ; but it will be seen, in the sequel, that this very subject — including the " Appropriation clause " — was fitted up by the Whigs themselves, as a party engine against the Ministry of Sir Robert Peel, not twelve months after- wards ! The Ministry, with its new " team," under the direction of Lord Melbourne in place of Earl Grey, succeeded at length in passing their Coercion Bill, after stripping it of some features obnoxious to the Irish party. The most important measure, however, brought forward during the session of 1834, was the Poor Law Amendment Act ; perhaps the most creditable achievement of the Whig party. It was carried, after active discussions and considerable oj^position, by a large majority. I doubt whether, at any period since 1834, so thorough and sound a change in our domestic machinery could have been brought about. That it should at the present time have become partially ineffective, is owing to the altered 1834. DISCUSSIONS IN PARLIAMENT. 91 tone of public opinion, on the character of whicli, however, it is beside my province here to enter. The Tithe Bill was a "standing dish" during the whole session ; giving occasion to incessant altercation and some intemperate language, especially on the part of Mr. Stanley and Mr. O'Connell. The language of the latter, indeed, was both coarse and violent, such as would hardly be tolerated in these days. It may be mentioned, in reference to the Coercion Bill, that though it was actually carried, finally, it was by a House of only eighty-five Members ! — sixty voting for, and twenty- five against the Bill. " It cannot be denied that ' concessions ' made to Irish members, and to O'Connell in particular, did seriously damage the Ministry in the eyes of its more moderate supporters ; while the great Eadical party — much stronger in the country than in the House — bitterly complained that the measures which they expected to see follow the Eeform Bill, and which they regarded as essential supplements of that measure, were thrust aside to make way for long Irish debates," &c.* Animated discussions succeeded ; one upon the admission of Dissenters to the universities, another on a proposal to prevent the Spiritual Peers from sitting in the House of Lords ; also upon the abolition of church rates, on a tithe commutation Bill, and a Dissenters' marriage Bill. On all these the Kadicals, of course, spoke and voted as became their creed. Eepeal of the malt tax, and of the corn laws, had each their turn, but with no success. The disfranchise- ment of the freemen of Warwick (proved to have been guilty of gross corruption) was carried through the Commons, but rejected in the House of Lords, by the secret influence of the Lord Chancellor Brougham. The following remarks are quoted from the work already * See ' History of England,' from tlio year 1830. By William Nassau Molesworth, M.A. London, 187L Vol. i., page 384. 02 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GKOTE. Chap. X. meutioned : — " The session was, on the whole, disappointing to the supporters of the Ministry. A general feeling pre- vailed, and was very strongly expressed by some of the leading journals which had hitherto warmly supported them, that in many respects, and especially in their manner of dealing with Irish questions, tliey had displayed a great want of capacity. * * * Their supporters saw with great dissatisfaction the Government devoting themselves to a policy of finality. * * * The immense popularity they had enjoyed at the time of their accession to office, and during the whole of the Eeform struggle, had entirely disappeared, and had given way to a feeling not of hostility, but of indif- ference, almost approaching to contempt." (Page 411.) * The session being ended, Grote and his wife lolt England for a few weeks' tour on the Continent. First spending some days at Geneva, where they formed many interesting acquaint- ances, — Professor De Caudolle, Madame Marcet and her family, M. and Madame Favre, M. Sismondi (the historian) and his lady, M. des Roches Lambard, and others — they journeyed to Chamounix, and had the rare good fortune of very fine weather whilst there. Neither of ns having ever seen mountain scenery out of England, we were enchanted with the sublime region around Mont Blanc. Grote rode back over the pass of the Col de Balme, rejoining me at Geneva by the road of the Valais and the Lake of Geneva. We returned throuo;h Wiirtemberof to Carlsruhe, where William George Prescott joined us, and we all passed a fortnight on the Rhine, returning to Dulwich in October, much the better for our two months' holidav. * The following passage, contained in a letter of Miss Berry to Mr. Macaulay, at Calcutta, will confirm the statement in the fore- going pages concerning the out-of-door impression made by the conduct of the Whig Ministry. It is dated June, 1834 : — " I think, from what you do hear, you will not mixch regret your absence from a scene where, the right side of the question is acting in such a manner as to be actually dependent on the wrong side for their power of acting at all." (' Life of Miss Berry,' by Lady Theresa Lewis.) 1834. . TOUR ON THE CONTINENT. 93 Some weeks subsequent to our return, tlie dismissal of Lord Melbourne's Ministry, and the accession to power of the Tory party,. produced universal consternation in the country. I had occasion to reply to the letter of a friend in November, 1834, and here reproduce parts of my own letter in con- nection with our personal history. After giving an outline of our Swiss adventures, I go on thus — DuLwiCH Wood, Surrey, 2Sth Xovemher, 1884. * * * The heat in Switzerland was stupendous (84° daily in shade), and overpowered me greatly. Mr, Grote also felt the sun unftivourably, and, taking too much exertion under it, he was two or three times much indisposed, and attacked with fever. * * * * But the tour, altogether, produced effects on him highly refresh- ing and invigorating, and he enjoyed the romantic passages across the Swiss Alj)s with great (justo. The booksellers' shops of the German cities likewdse formed delightful objects of cm-iosity, and he passed hours of real happiness in those recesses. * * * * I lament that the " snail's pace " we were going at should be stopped, for we did move, and I think we should have got on a trifle faster with those fresh horses. However, Mr. Grote says, " this wrestle was sure to come, and so perhaps we had as well ' try a fall ' wdth our enemies now, as a year hence." * * * * Grote is " buckling on his cuirass," and I never knew him more full of ardour and resolution. If all " stand to the gnns," as he will, you will have no cause to blame your fellow-countrymen. He drew up the address for the Metropolitan Members, and worked hard to get it personally signed by them all. * * * * Grote is continually receiving applications from Radical con- stituencies, and only grieves that he can't name a man or two, but he knows none worthy." * * * * This fact serves to show the vast difference between 1834 and 1864, in respect to the readiness of the country to fur- nish forth Radical candidates. The change may be affirmed to date from the Crimean war, by the conduct of which the in- capacity of the ruling class was clearly discerned by the people. The destruction of the Houses of Parliament happened soon after our return to Dulwich Wood, and from tlie windows of our residence we belield tiie terrible spectacle, without how- ever knowing the exact locality of the fire, which we only learned on the uiorrow. 94 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. XL CHAPTER XI. 1835. Towards the end of the year 1834 a dissolution of Parlia- ment was announced as imminent, and accordingly Mr. Grote issued an address and commenced preparations for another contest, which appeared to be unavoidable. The election for the City of London (usually among the earliest) took place early in January, 1835. I here insert a letter to Mrs. Gaskell, which will show how agitated was the political atmosphere at this period. 29^!^ December, 1834. • One line is all I have time or power to write ; but such a piece of luck as I have to tell must be sent to you for participation. Our City " Eads " have been working most assiduously, and striving to obtain a fourth man, in case, and only in case, the Tories called forth Mr. Ward. You cannot conceive a finer set of hearty, yet wise and judicious, men than we boast among our middle class in London ! Mr. Grote is daily, and almost hourly, in communication with them, aiding, by his personal exertions, the great object of giving a signal example to the country at our coming election. Well, my dear friend, after many anxious conferences, — after trying the temper of the Tories, and finding Ward was actually going to provoke a contest (which, observe, ive wished to avoid for fear of mischief), — we actually have prevailed on no less a personage than the Governor of the Bank of England to start as our fourth Kefonncr ! I assure you I think it is the proudest day of my husband's life. He never had so great a consciousness of being useful, even though we have had oiu- trials (and eke our triumjihs), and ho is in better spirits than I ever saw him ; and this, too, after being all last week so agitated and careworn that I am sure you would have been quite pained to see him : so apprehensive was he about getting a good fourth man, for without " a good one " he feared defeat. 1835. NEW PARLIAMENT. 95 Mr Pattison, the new candidate, is one of the oldest and most intimate friends of Mr. Grote's family, and he has become liberalized by communion with him, as well as by Grote's writings and speeches in Parliament. He had no wish— nay, even a repugnance — to enter public life (he is about forty-five years of age, I think) ; but, pressed by the citizens in the first j)lace, he was won finally by Grote's earnest entreaty to step forward and fight by his side, and he could not refuse to do so, feeling confident that Grote would sujiport him and set him a wise lead. He is Keformer enough to satisfy our " movement," while his station and personal character command the votes and confidence of the timid rich voters ; so that it is impossible to over-estimate the importance to Eeformers of this step on his part. * * * * "Vfe are all agita- tion and fervour in London. I only pray you may be doing half as well in your parts. Excuse my conjugal vanity, but you can't think how I run over with emotion when I reflect that Grote has, by courageously standing in the van, encouraged less bold and wise patriots to step out of the crowd, and has thus, in his person, redeemed the representation of his city, the first in the Empire, by attracting to it men of station and honour, instead of the corpora- tion nominees of ancient times. * * * * Eight candidates went to the poll, the four Eeformers being returned. Grote was the lowest of the four on the poll, in consequence of the Tories canvassing vigorously for the split votes in favour of the other three Liberals. I extract a passage from my note-book — January, 1835. — "Grote is very much oppressed with anxiety, but I think without a'le- quate cause. * * * * Last year many of the Liberals voted wrong instead of right, because they feared the Whigs being thrown out. Now, the Liberals must vote conformably with their professions, having no such excuse." The following letter from Mr. H. G. Ward shows how intent the Liberals were on recovering their position : — H. G. Ward to George Guote. 22nd January, 1835. My dear Grote, — I regret to say that it will be impossible for mc to join you to-morrow. * * * * 96 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. XL Let me know what day you meet again, and you may depend upon me ; for I want niucli to get my own ideas into some order by comparing tliem with those of others. The great point will be to prepare such an Amendment to the Address as will give to the country a proof that our opposition to the present Government rests not uj)on words, but things. * * * * The Speakership, of course, will not be lost sight of. I hope that Abercrombie will not refuse to stand. If he does, Bernal would, in my humble judgment, be preferable to Littleton, who was, certainly, much damaged last autumn. * * * * We have a good game to play, if it be played with temper, decision, and proper organization : without these, nothing will be effected. You will be sorry to hear that I got a letter from Lord Spencer to-day (in answer to one written to him after my election), in which he says " that nothing shall ever induce him to take office again, since he looks back to the time which he passed there as by far the most unhapiiy period of his existence." I am afraid that he is only too much in earnest in this, but you had better not mention it. I send you a county paper, with a report of our proceedings at Hertford and St. Alban's. I need hardly assure you that all that I said of you at the first of these places came most sincerely from my heart ; it was very warmly received. * * * * Yours most truly, H. G. Ward. When Parliament assembled, animated debates ensued — both sides being "all fire and fury." Grote spoke on the first night, supporting the amendment; at the same time declaring " it was too mild for him." After three nights, the amendment was carried against Ministers by 309 votes against 3U2. On the third night, Mr. T. Gisborne delivered an excellent and spirited speech, which was much applau led. Towards its close, he adverted to the expediency of including, in any future Liberal Cabinet, some of the leading Radical Members, naming " the honourable Members for London and Bridport." The ministerial bench received the suggestion with laughter. I should not wonder if they lived to " laugh on the wrong side of 1835. Sm ROBERT PEEL'S MINISTRY. 97 their mouths," some of these days, as the old popular phrase has it. On the occasion above mentioned, the Whigs were silent, but the Radicals cheered * * * *.— Extract from Diary, March, 1835. Sir liobert Peel, on taking office, endeavoured to recom- mend himself to tlie country by proposing several measures of importance ; one for Church Reform, a Dissenters' Mar- riage Bill, a Tithe Bill, all of unquestionable merit; another for the consolidation of the Ecclesiastical Courts, but the Government was beaten on the question of granting a Koyal Charter of Incorporation to the Liberal " University of London," as the institution in Cower Street was then called, the numbers being 246 to 136. It may be remarked here, that memorials had been sent up against this Charter, from both the old Universities, as well as from the respective Colleges of Surgeons and Physicians,* With the Irish Tithe Bill, the Whig party could not, with any show of consistency, find fault, since it bore a close resemblance to their own measure. Accordingly, Lord John Russell brought out the engine, about which so much has already been said — the Appropriation Clause. The clause was brushed up, and made to "do duty" on the 30th of March. On this debate (which, I believe, lasted through three nights) more than one specimen of splendid eloquence was elicited; among these Mr. W. E. Gladstone's may be referred to, as a powerful " pleading " for the maintenance of the Irish Church. I quote a passage from it here : — " The present motion opens a boundless road : it will lead to measure after measure, to expedient after expedient, till vve come to the recognition of the Roman Catholic religion as the National one. In principle, you propose to give up the Protestant Establishment ; if so, why not abandon the * Mr. Tooke had moved an address to His Majesty, beseeching him to grant the charter to the University of London. If any one doubts of the advance of Liberal sentiment during the last forty years, let him hear in mind that not a few Liberals, feeling nevertheless adverse to the idea of parting with Churcli sui)romacy in matters of education, voted with the Government on this occasion. H 98 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Cuxv. XL political government of Ireland and concede the repeal of the Legislative Union p * * * * x hope I shall never live to see the day when such a system shall be adopted in this country ; for tlie consequences of it to public men will be lamentable beyond all description," &g. &c. Mr. Grote also felt strongly on this subject, but on the opposite side, and, in the course of the debate, expressed hiiuself fervently in favour of the disestablishment of the Irish Church. There exist several drafts of speeches which he composed on this subject, which are full of animation and lire. The upshot of the contest was the defeat of the Minis- ter, followed by his resignation within a week aftervvards, I cannot avoid pausing for a moment, to allude to a sin- gularly candid review of this passage in our domestic histoiy which I find in the pages of Mr. Molesworth. He says," The conduct of the King and the Duke together, placed Sir Uobert Peel in an inextricably false position. We can hardly doubt that, had he been consulted beforehand, his sound judgment and practical experience would have led him to recommend to the King to wait for more certain proofs of the asserted reaction than he yet possessed. But when he returned from Rome, the time for giving such advice was past. * * * * As for Sir R. Peel, he deserved the praise which his honourable rival in the House of Com- mons so warmly gave him ; not only on account of the great diligence and ability he displayed in framing and conducting the measures he introduced, but for the very upright and honourable manner in which he acted, under the extremely difficult and undesired circumstances in which he was placed." (Page 455.) The former l^linistry was now reinstated, to the undis- guised mortification of King William, who, however, found some comfort in the fact that he had at least got rid of the obnoxious Chancellor. The first business brought before the House of Commons after this episode, was, the Municipal I :orporations Reform ; a measure loudly demanded by the public out-of-doors. It proved a veritable "apple of discord." 1835. MOTION FOR BALLOT. J'9 All the Philosophical Radicals (as they were called) gave un- remitting attention to the framing of the Bill, on the details of which the discussions were unusually warm. Mr. Grote allowed himself scarcely any rest during its progress, and, moreover, carried on an active correspondence with the pro- vincial towns, delegates fiom which were sent up to supply information to Liberal Members. At last, the Bill reached the House of Lords, but there it underwent considerable alteration ; nevertheless, the Ministers being too weak to resist effectively, concessions were made, and the Bill passed into law on the 7th of September, 1835. This very important measure may be regarded as only in a slight degree less valuable, in the eyes of Eeformers, than the iieform Bill itself. " The plan for brigading the Opposition has been effectually dis- comfited by Hume, who, set on by Brougham, has insisted on comprehending the Irish " tail " in the party. This not being compatible with the objects in furtherance of which the jDroject was taken in hand, viz., consultation and combined action among the English Eadicals — our gentlemen have next to abandoned the design ; not openly withdrawing, but feeling no interest in the matter."*^ — Extract from Diary, April, 1835. " Wo dined with Mr. Mill, at his house in Kensington, on Sunday ; his son, John, was also present. Mr. Mill, out of humour with the Whigs, said he had become indifferent about their regaining office. " On the second of June, Mr. Grote again brought forward a * W. Clay, Esq., M.P., to George Grote. 7, NoTTiNciiiAM Place, 20th Fehruary, 1835. My dear Grote, — I go to Twickenham this afternoon, and cannot consequently attend the meeting of to-morrow ; but I leave you my proxy on all points — with regard to O'Conncll I believe we perfectly concur in opinion. I could not usefully or consistently belong to a sub- division of the Liberals which numbered O'Connell among its members, however willing I may be to co-operate with him and his immediate friends as part of the (jencral hodij. H 2 100 TERSONAL LIFE OF GEOIIGE GROTE. Chap. XL motion for Ballot, He spoke for an hour and a quarter in a very fiill house, and, from various evidence which I collected, he was considered to have performed his task to admiration. Mr. War- burton and Mr. Strutt told me it was the finest reasoned speech they had ever heard in the House of Commons. I think it was as good as a second speech on the same topics could he, and George appears to be content with his success. " The debate, which proved particularly animated, and was well- sustained, lasted from half-past five p.m. till half-past one the next morning ! "The division gave, 146 for; against, 319." — Diary, Jxme, 1835. Other business occupied, at intervals, the attention of the Legislature. Lord Morpeth brought forward an Irish Church Reform, closely resembling that proposed by Sir R. Peel, but with the inevitable " Appropriation Clause " tacked to its tail. Fresh conflicts arose on this everlasting subject of con- tention. The Ministry were not strong enough to force it through the Upper House, so that, in the teeth of emphatic warnings of " dreadful consequences," on the part of Lord Melbourne, the Bill was withdrawn and another Bill hastily in- troduced : this, to release the Government from the necessity of prosecuting the Irish clergy for the repayment of advances made upon the security of their tithes. The offensive pro- cee lings of the Orange Lodges in Ireland were also angrily commented upon in the House of Commons during the summer, till every one was, indeed, "sick of it." Some Members, again, wearied the assembly by motions for altering the currency, and the malt tax was once more made the sub- ject of a struggle on the part of the agricultural representa- tives, Lord Chandos leading the assault, I must not forget to mention that in addition to all his other obligations, Mr. Grote, about this time, consented to serve on a commission for framing the New Constitution for our Australian colonies. This commission sat through the summer, on Wednesday afternoons, and he scarcely ever missed attending. Thus it came to pass that he scarcely got any time for his rural home, still less for his books, aud little enough 1835. PAELTAMENTARY LIFE. 101 even of domestic converse. I give here, as an example, one of G-rote's own notes to myself : — City, ISth March, 1835. I am very sorry to say that it is totally impossible for me to get clown to Diilwich this day. The House will be as full of business this night as on any other night ; indeed, Wednesday is now just like Tuesday or Thursday, as respects Parliamentary occupation. * * * * It will delight me very much to see you again in London to- morrow. This is the worst i)art of my Parliamentary life — to be cut off so much and so long from my partner. * * * * Peel brought in his Bill for Dissenters' Marriages last night. His sj)eech gave much satisfaction ; and the Bill is a much better measui'e than that of the Whigs last year on the same subject. . This unremitting labour towards public objects made me complain not unfrequently of the sacrifice; but Grote was inflexible. So I was forced to submit, and took a commodious lodging in Pall Mall (No. 11) for the season, so as not to be more separated than we could help ; spending Saturday and Sunday at Dulwich Wood. I find in my note-book the following entry in May, 1835 : — "Lord Durham came down and dined with us alone at Dul- wich Wood (no one but Joe Parkes besides) ; bis Lordshij) was talkative and confidential, though manifestly out of spirits." In the month of June this year, we received on several occasions, at our house, two young Frenchmen tlien rising into notice as public men — M. Alexis de Tocqueville and M. Gustave de Beaumont — and the foundation wa«, laid of a friendship with the former gentleman, which was maintained unbroken up to his lamented death in 1859. Our hospitalities at Dulwich Wood went on during the whole session ; Grote's time much taken up with the York Election Committee, which lasted four weeks, closing on the 8th of September. We paid one short visit, in July, to our friend Mr. James Mill at Mickleham, for (I believe) the last time ; his strength was evidently failing under the insidious 102 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. XL disease which terminated his existence in the following year. " With the exception of the visit to Mr. Mill, Grote had not been absent from London since we returned from the Continent in October, 1834. To the best of my belief he has not enjoyed one week-day's rest since February last." — Extract from Diart/, October, 1835. Mr. William Prescott returning from his holiday in Sep- tember, Grrote was enabled to set forth on a tour of refresh- ment and recreation. Our first point made was Mr. Edward Strutt's, M.P. for Derby, who then resided in the suburbs of that town, at a pleasant house with parkish grounds called St. Helen's. After a few days agreeably spent with our esteemed friends, we rambled about in Derbyshire and Warwickshire, but were most unfortunate in regard to weather, which proved inces- santly wet. I insert hero part of a letter describing our proceedings, which will perhaps be found amusing : — Mrs. Grote to Mrs. D. Gaskell. Matlock Bath, September 2Qth, 1835. The entire discomfiture of summer projects to which all M.P.'s and " their belongings " have been exposed, must have prepared you for the loss of that part of our mutual anticipations which con- nected itself mth Lupset HalL * * * I assiu-e you the wreck of this little Yorkshu'e scheme is very vexatiously felt by both Grote and myself. The severe and protracted labours of this year will be scarcely remedied by the scanty recreation we have been enabled to gather out of the residue of the fine season. Little else has been gained by leaving home, than the absolute inuuunity from all ties and daily duties ; but I rejoice to think my beloved partner's spirits have derived benefit from this partial relief. Though not in " full feather," he is less dej>ressed by his campaign than I feared he would be. * * * * Old Joey Hume is here, with his wife, daughter, and son. We had a regular " prose " yesterday evening with him, and we shall be much together whilst we all remain at Matlock. It is pure accident, our meeting, but the people here imagine it concerted betwc(!U these two eminent " (lestnictires." Mr. Arkwright (a rich Tory mill-owner, and "all that") went 1835. VACATION KAIMBLES. 103 down to the shop of a tradesman hero yesterday afternoon, and, in an undertone of voice, said, " Mr. Vallance, do you know whom we have got here at this moment ?" — " No, sir." — " Wliy, here is Mr. Grote, and not only he, but Mr. Hmne !" as if some di-eadful event must come of so notable a conjunction of the maleficent planets. I had this from the " party " addressed. After paying a short visit to our friend and cousin Arthur Gregory (a Warwickshire squire) near Coventry, we turned our steps homewards; visiting Warwick Castle (which in- terested us extremely), and afterwards Great Hampden, a place replete with patriotic memories. On our return from our tour we remained quietly at Dul- wich Wood through the remaining months of 1835; receiving our friends from time to time as guests, and enjoying com- parative repose. 104 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. XIL CHAPTER XII. 1836-1837. "The chief organ of the Radical party at this period is the 'London Review,' being the old 'Westminster Re- view ' under a new direction : the funds supplied by Sir William Molesworth, M.P., with John Stuart Mill for the editor. The list of contributors comprises some of the most able pens of the day, and the review is undeniably superior in quality to any of its rivals. J. A. Roebuck also issues political tracts, at the price of three-halfpence — extremely clever and instructive — selling as many as ten thousand a week" — Extract from Diary, January, 1836. I cannot do better than borrow again from Mr. Moles- worth : — " In this session the affairs of Ireland continued to force themselves on the Legislature, and to occupy a large share of its attention. This arose from two causes ; first, the still unsettled state of that country, which no Government could disregard ; and secondly, the position occupied by the Irish Catholic party, which, though not very numerous, was sufiiciently large to hold the balance between the Govern- ment and the Opposition, and to give the majority to the one or the other, as it suited the purpose of its leader. O'Connell used the enormous power which this state of things placed in his hands very skilfully. He gave a steady support to the Government, but he took good care to make them feel that the continuance of that support depended on their adoption of such a policy towards Ireland as he advocated, and would be instantly withdrawn, or even converted into bitter hostility, if they should swerve from it. It was, no doubt, for the purpose of conciliating him and the party he led, that the paragraph relating to the principles of the Irish Municipal 183G-1837. IRISH POLITICS— O'CONNELL, 105 Corporations Bill had been inserted in the King's speech." (Page 485.) I here subjoin a letter illustrative of this view: — From Mrs. George Evans, Wife of George Evans, M.P. for County Duhlin, to Mrs. Grote, Mmj 12ih, 1835. * * * Evans quite agrees with your views, but adds OConnell and his adherents to the evils we have to contend with. Our position makes us more susceptible of O'Connell's influence than you can be in England. We feel it is one which blasts and withers whatever it aj)proaches, and that nothing good will ever come to maturity near its pestilence. * * * * The foregoing passage truly depicts the situation. No Ministry could expect to prosper under a pressure at once so galling and yet so plausible. His influence clothed with the attributes of liberal patriotism, yet exercised in strict conformity with the personal ambition of a demagogue — O'Connell was feared, detested, and yet accepted as an ally. The leading Liberals avoided contact with the "Liberator," as he was termed, and we ourselves never but once met him in private society, and then it was at Mr. Charles Buller's, in Westminster, at dinner. Irish Municipal Keform was the chief feature in 1836, the majorities ruling higher than was expected in favour of Eeform. On the last night of the debate on the Irish Municipal Eeform Bill Grote put out his strength, making a most impressive speech ; no other Eadical of the English body speaking at any length on the subject. The majority for Ministers was no less than 8G. In June of this year Grote again brought on the Ballot. Most of the Ministers absented themselves, and the debate upon the whole was flat. * II. G. Ward to George Grote. June, ISS'j. * * * I now take u)y chance of tbis finding you at home, to 106 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. XIL At the very hour during which Grote was delivering this speech on the Ballot, his great mental teacher and friend, James Mill, was passing away from amongst us. He died without any pain or struggle, of long-standing pulmonary phthisis. Grote was much affected by his loss, though we were aware that it was imminent for several months before it happened. In the diary of June 30th I find the following entry : — " I gave a party at Dulwich Wood, in honour of my sister, Madame von Koch, and her husband, the pleasure of which however was much spoiled, and in this way. O'Connell had a motion on the paper for reforming the House of Lords, but no one believed that he would bring it on ; nevertheless, on the morning of the day of my party he gave it out that ' nothing should prevent him from doing so.' I had invited a good many Members of Parliament, who all conscientiously stayed away (on the strength of O'Connell's assurance), fearing to absent themselves. Grote himself ran the risk, however, and drove down from the House at nine o'clock, bringing Molesworth with him. They both left us at eleven r.M., and went back to the House of Commons, but O'Connell did not bring on his motion after all ! The muster was too strong against it, and discouraged the ' Liberator.' " Ireland was, however, the " standing dish " during all this session ; the Irish Tithe and the Corporation Reform were ask you, in the event of its doing so, to read the enclosed, and to give me your opinion respecting any part of it, which yuu may think requires alteration. It is a severe task upon your time and friendship ; but the occa- sion is one of sufficient importance to warrant mc in making it. * * * I do not say what I have said, with regard to the neutrality of the Cabinet upon the Ballot and Triennial Parlia- ments, without good reason. I am convinced that Melbourne has resolved upon it, and that those will go to the wall who oppose him. Yours very truly, H. G. Wabd. 1836-1837. REMOVAL FROM DULWICH. 107 successively rolled up the steep as far as the House of Lords, whence they were as often rolled back again, like the stone of Sisyphus. What the Opposition could not do in the House of Commons was effected in the House of Lords. A Dis- senters' Marriage Bill met with better success, but it was mainly owing to the frank support afforded by the Duke of Wellington and Sir Eobert Peel. This measure proved of signal advantage to tlie Nonconformist body, and, it may bo added, to the public at large, since it comprised the valuable system of local registration for marriages, births, and deaths. A fresh "Church Commission" was also instituted, the incomes of the higher dignitaries being dealt with un- sparingly, in the interest of the parochial clergy. This proceeding it was that called forth the unrivalled powers of Sydney Smith ; wit, argument, and raillery all shining out in the celebrated ' Letters to Archdeacon Single- ton,' in opposition to this Commission. The Reform Club was established this year, most of the Ministers becoming members, the list of which soon swelled to eleven hundred. Grote, of course, was one of the founders. The first number of the united review, ' London and West- minster,' came out in April, the prominent article of which was one by John Stuart Mill, on civilization. The experience of these first few years of our Parlia- mentary course forced us to perceive that it would not do to continue residing at a distance from London. The fatigue to Grote of going up and down between his house at Dulwich and London, and the loss of time it involved, became too serious evils for me to wish to remain in our pleasant home. Accordingly, we set about inquiries for a house in London. This step was not taken without extreme reluctance on my part ; I had bestowed a great deal of time, trouble, and expense on our present house and grounds, it had become suited to our wants, and I know that London would prove injurious to my health. All this notwithstanding, 1 accepted 108 PEESONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. XTI. the necessity, and about Midsummer a commodious and airy house was purchased, close to Belgrave Square (then No. 3, Eccleston Street), to which we made immediate arrangements for removing. Our residence, " Dulwich Wood," was shortly after sold to another London banker, and in the month of August JMr. Grote and I left it to make a few weeks' tour in France, crossing from Brighton to Dieppe. Before I narrate the proceedings of the summer, I quote once more from the Diary. " We dined at Mr. Hume's on the 26th of May, and had 'good talk.' Hume very resolute about reforming the House of Lords. Mr. Clay and Mr. Aglionby, Mr. Senior and Grote, had tough discussions after dinner." We visited the towns of Le Mans, Angers, Blois, Orleans, Saumur, Fontainebleau, and so to Paris on September lOtli. Our excursion procured us health and recreation, but our usual ill-luck attended us in regard to weather, which was cold, rainy, and even tempestuous. Mr. Prescott, the senior partner of the banking-house, falling ill at this time, we hastened home, reaching London on the 6th of October. Mr. Prescott died on the 23r 1. After we had established our domicile in Eccleston Street, Mr. Grote took some pains to cultivate the art of speak- ing in public, by putting himself under the teaching of an elocution master. Aided by Mr. Jones's very useful lessons, he learned to manage the inflections of voice, the change of pitch, the filling of the air chest, the devices of gesture and the like, insomuch that his style of delivery became sensibly improved. I was present at more than one of these lessons, and could not fail to perceive the advantage of oratorical training in enhancing the effect of the discourse. I doubt whether any of the young Members of Parliament at the present day devote much of their spare time to studying the rules of rhetorical art. Mr. Grote was not, indeed, the only man of the Radical party who attended to this valuable element in a public career. Sir W. Molesworth, J. A. Roebuck, 0. Buller, T. Gisborne and others did so, and to good purpose. 1836-1837. " BALLOT BOX." 109 We remained in London through the winter of 1836-1837. The agitation was very zealous all the autumn upon the subject of Ballot. Grote and I spent a good deal of time in devising methods of taking votes, so as to ensure secrecy ; at last a "Ballot box" was perfected, and some forty or fifty models, in wood, distributed all over the kingdom. Here is a letter on the subject : — Mrs. Geote to Mrs. D. Gaskell. December 24:th, 1836. * * * If you will return Mr. Oldham's model (as he seems ravenous for it), you can have one for yoiu'self noiv, by writing to the secretary to our new Ballot Union, as per printed " avis " I sent you some days ago. We have now ceased to be the issuers of models, being, to tell you the truth, somewhat weary of fui'nishing them to so many applications gratis. We have fixed it upon Mr. Thomas, who supplies them at the cost price, 24s. Mr. Grote has spent above 50Z. in these toys, and we hope not in vain ; for assuredly the question has made a striking progress since last year. We have had shoals of letters expressive of delight with, and approbation of, the contrivance ; and many who wished for secrecy, yet mistrusted its being attained, have become hearty balloteers since " the box " was exhibited to them. I dare not trust myself to enter upon politics, for they are fearfidly exciting at present, and would occujjy more time than I can give to the writing. This short session has been pregnant with interest, yet produc- tive of disheartening results. The Whigs are quite ruined as a reform cabinet, and only now hold office at the pleasure of the Tories, who, seeing the mess they have got into (about Canada) enjoy the mischief, and are minded to let them comidete the obnoxious part of the transaction, viz., getting into a civil, or rather colonial, war, and then anon they will jierhaps step in and carry it through. Our party, small enough at any time (as you too well know) has been thinned down to a slender band of twenty or so. But you will have watched with earnest and, I hope, approving eyes, the vigorous efforts these few have made to uphold reforming princii)les. How glad I am Mr. Gaskell stood by Roebuck about the " Eesolutions " against the Canadians \ * * * * 11. G. 110 PERSONAL LIFE OP GEORGE GROTE. Chap. XIL Another from ]Mr. Warburton, on the actual condition of parties : — H. Warburton to Mrs. Grotb. 45, Cadogan Place, London. 21st Dccemhr, 1836. * * * It is througli public opinion that the reforms predicted iu the Eadical book of fate are to be carried : it is through public opinion that we are to spur the Whigs on to action. Expression is to be given to public opinion, and the Whigs are to be made to feel the force of it, in constituencies, by keejung them constantly in a state of alarm of being ousted by Eadical com- petitors — in Parliament, by occasional threats of being voted against by their Eadical allies. In a certain state of disquietude it is our business always to keep them ; the pressure is to be heightened or moderated according to circumstances, and the magnitude and proximity of the objects we hope to carry. But so long as there exists any material difference in the weight of liberal measures which the Whigs and Tories, severally, are willing to offer to us, the highest bidder, if in possession, is not to be ousted from the Government. I met yesterday by accident Mr. Windham, of Felbrigg, Nor- folk, who was in the first Eeform Parliament. He told me that the progress of public opinion in that county in favour of the Ballot during the last few years was quite remarkable, and said he was going to advise the Government to make it an open ques- tion. * * * Madamina, yours ever, Henry Warburton. ( You see that my rugged brow relaxes ! ) A third, from a gentk^man of influence at Bristol : — C. B. Fripp to George Grote. Bristol, 2Qth December, 1836. You will, I know, excuse the freedom I take in addressing you, when you learn my object, whether that shall obtain your approval or not ; but if other apology were wanting, I might be allowed to find it in the conspicuous station which you so justly hold among the leaders of the " Independent Eeformers," of which body I confess myself an earnest, though a very humble member. 1836. DESPAIR OF THE RADICALS. Ill In tlie Spectator of this week (of wliich I am a regular reader), I am delighted to see it stated that you have resolved to move in the House of Commons, on the first opportunity, for leave to bring in a Bill in favour of the Ballot ; and you are invited to publish the Bill without delay, to give early opportunity for petitions in its favoiu". * * * * From my acquaintance with the feelings of the Reformers here, I have no hesitation in saying that an enthusiastic meeting in favour of the Ballot Bill would be promptly held, and a petition, numerously signed, be thereupon placed in your hands. In few places, perhaps, is the necessity of this " protection of individual freedom " so much needed as in this city, and glad shall we be of the opportunity of manifesting our sentiments to Parliament on this subject, if you will give us a Bill to present for payment. I am, Sir, With the greatest respect, Your obedient servant, C. Bowles Fripp. Extract from diary of this date : — " Mr. Grote, and about five others, find tlieraselves left to sustain the Radical opinions of the House of Commons. One evening, after all other guests had departed. Sir W. Molesworth and Charles Bullfer remained late at our house, talking of the present aspect of affairs. ' I see what we are coming to, Grote,' said Charles Buller; 'in no very long time from this, you and I shall be left to ' tell,' Molesworth ! " One more extract — it relates to a projected meeting in Drury Lane Theatre, intended to display a cordial union between the Whigs and the Radicals : — A good stirring speech from Mr. Grote on Monday, however short, would do the cause and himself much good. If the meetmg be not more Bad. than Whig it may do harm. I myself am not as yet, satisfied of its propriety. I cannot give my support to Mr. Byng, or tolerate the thought of anything like cordial union (which this meeting seems to imply) if it be not one of more equality than in times past. * « * * Believe me. Very respectfully yours, John Tbavekb. To Mrs. Grote. U2 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. XIL This same grand " demonstration " took place on the stage of Dniry Lane Theatre.pin January, 1887. It proved a mere Whig affair, as was anticipated, and liad no effect out of doors, or " in," for that matter. The session was opened by the King in person, on the 31st of January. The Tithe Bill and the Irish Corporation Bill — both of them Government measures — were rejected in the Lords. A somewhat lively episode was furnished by Sir Francis Burdett, who, renouncing Eadical politics, retired into the ranks of the Conservatives. He resigned his seat for Westminster, and stood again under his new colours. " The Baronet," says Mr. Molesworth, " was returned triumphantly, by a majority of 515 votes. He now took his seat on the Opposition side of the House, amidst the cheers of his new friends." After this a vehement conflict arose between " Church and State," the Bishops making resolute resistance to the Grovernment Bill for superseding Church Rates. The Radicals proper maintained a spirited system of attack ; Mr. Grote for the Ballot, Sir William Molesworth to abolish property qualification, ]\Ir. D'Eyncourt for abridging the duration of Parliament, and for the abolition of the law of primogeniture, &c. It is superfluous to add that these efforts were all unsuccessful. The new Poor Law was vigor- ously assailed in Parliament, and by writers in the ' Times,' but courageously supported by the instructed Radicals. Joseph Parkes to Mrs. Grote. Westminster, 20th March, 1837. * * * Grote is a Polar Star to all of us — a magnetic needle necessary to steer our course straight. The " stock-piece " of the session consisted in the strong proceedings of the mother country for repressing the Canadian discontents. These brought all the leading Radicals to the front, and the debates on Canadian matters grew unusually angry. Lord John was obliged to accept the assistance of Sir Robert Peel in carrying his memorable " Resolu- tions," whilst the Radicals, as a body, lent him a reluctant support. 1837. DEATH OF THE KING. 113 To add to the embarrassinents of this most imsatis factory session, the commercial world now fell into difficulties: many joint-stock banks failed, confidence was shaken, and a real " panic " ensued. The committee on banking renewed its investigation into the existing evils, the Bank Restriction Act was suspended, and the monetary world became agitated to its very centre. Nothing, indeed, could be more uncomfortable than the state of public affairs. The Ministry were utterly powerless, carrying nothing that they themselves proposed, unless by the help of the Tories. Sir Robert Peel openly avowed his readiness to take their places. The King was known to be averse to granting a dissolution. In short, there was every probability that the Melbourne Ministry must come to an end. Fortune, however, sent them a respite ; King William fell ill, and before Midsummer he had ceased to reign. 114 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. XIIT. CHAPTER XIII. 1837. A FLOOD of loyalty now set in towards the yonng maiden Queen. On assuming the reins of Government, her ]\Iajesty declared her intention to retain the services of Lord Melbourne and his colleagues, and by this fortunate turn of affairs the Whigs found themselves once more with the wind in their sails. A dissolution of Parliament was of course inevitable, so that the City had to prepare for a third contested election. Here is a letter describing the opening scene : — Mrs. Grote to Sir William Molesworth, Bart. 62, Threadxeedle Street, July 22nd, 1837. Just come back from cm: nomination at the Guildhall. Very full assemblage indeed, and vociferous beyond precedent. Five candidates and their ten proposers and seconders spoke for two and a half hours, whereof I did not hear twenty words, excejit a few of S. Jones Loyd's, who proj)osed George. Last time (1835) I heard everything that was uttered by reformers, seated aloft in the Chamberlain's pew, as I was to-day also. The row was ear- splitting to-day. S. Jones Loyd suggested a good idea to me when we all met in Sir J. Shaw's (Chamberlain's) private room. " I would have Grote painted as he stood on the rostrum bawling, unheard, amid the din and roar, and underneath I would write, ' A Sage and Philosopher, emerged from his closet to enlighten his fellow-citizens upon the topics most deeply allied to their social welfare." Ha, ha, ha I I told Travers just now you were tolerably sanguine of success, which it afforded him much pleasure to hear. I added that I would send him your speech, in which, by the bye, he would recognize 7mich that George Grote had said at London Tavern. " Ah ! " cries Travers, " what could ho say better ? T would follow Sir William's example without the slightest scruple. Plagiary becomes a virtue in this case." * * * * Old Pattison (in the usual duck giietres) stood forth on the 1837. CITY ELECTION. 115 hustings manfully to-day ; but neither he nor Grote could get a hearing. Palmer's peojile mustered excessively strong, and his party in the hall testified deep mortification at not being successful in regard to the show of hands. Indeed, I think myself it teas quite as great for Palmer as for Wood, who, of the Liberals, had the fewest. * * * * J don't hear so much news just at this time. Every one seems busy in humbugging, in their respective depart- ments of the science, and I suppose the aggregate of their exertions will be manifested duly when Parliament assembles, which God and the Queen postpone till end of November ! I had a talk with a Tory friend of mine yesterday, who says their party are in good spirits about the elections. T. Buncombe is forced to dive under water; "bum bailiffs" abroad, sir! and he failed yesterday in " getting a clearance," by an informality. We went to Isleworth, flower-hunting, in open carriage, and afterwards pulled up the river to Twickenham in a wherry, last Sunday, taking with us C. A., who was excessively republican for the day, and eloquently dis- played his intense democracy. * * * * \ye three dined at Star and Garter ; and A. staid in Eccleston Street after we returned home, looking over George's library, till near midnight, when he sailed off, declaring that " he should go to sleep upon the delightful consciousness of a well-sjrent day." We shall leave town for the Continent on Monday or Tuesday week, August 1st. George has some idea of first going (on Mon- day, 31st July) to vote for Tom Stonor for Oxfordshire. Write to me here, however, till after Tuesday, and then direct " Poste restante, Berne." The contest was severe, a dead set being made against Grote by the Tories, who split votes for the other Eadical candidates, and thus sent hira to the bottom of the po)]. On the 24th of July (being the final day of the polling) Mrs. Grote writes to Sir William Molesworth, then at Leeds, as follows : — " I fear all is up with ycur friend Grote this turn. * * * At two o'clock to-day Mr. Horsley Palmer was seventy-four ahead of Grote ; at three o'clock we had pulled this down to thirty. To-morrow, at one o'clock, we shall know our fate. Everybody is consternated." * * * * When the morrow came the Sheriffs declnred the four Liberal candidates elected, Grote winning by six votes above I 2 116 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. XIIL the Conservative, Mr. Horsley Palmer. The scene in the Guildhall, on the declaration of the poll, was exceedingly exciting. Round after round of tumultuous cheering suc- ceeded, but as a matter of course the candidates advancing to the front of the platform to return thanks were wholly inaudible. I feel quite sure that the comments of the * Times ' news- paper on this election contest for the City of London, in the summer of 1837, will be a welcome addition to the picture which I endeavour to give of the course of domestic politics at this period. It is manifest that the party whose organ I quote here regarded Crete's position as one of marked importance in the public eye. The " leader " is accordingly " composed " with great care, and abundantly seasoned with warnings on the subject of Grote's mischievous Eadical tenets, whilst confessing his ability and private worth. If tlie Eadical Ministers are satisfied with the result of the election for the city, so, we promise them, are we. In speaking of the result of that election, it is right that we should state the fact precisely as it has reached us. Copying from the Standard the nmubers on the final close of the poll, we find that Mr. Palmer had 5,430, and Mr. Grote 5,417, and this estimate of Mr, Palmer's majority over the ultra-Radical hanker corresponds with that of the lion, candidate's (perhaps we ought to say member's) committee. But it is proper for us to make known, that to the hour at which we are writing the scrutiny into the polling-books has not been completed, and that as some friends of Mr. Grote have claimed on his behalf a majority over Mr. Palmer (of 21 or 23), we do not feel ourselves yet justified in arguing the case definitively, as if the election had been gained beyond all dispute by Mr. Palmer. We trust that, before many hours have elapsed, our forbearance will prove to have been uncalled for, save only by an over- scrupulous love of truth and justice, and that Mr. Palmer will be declared, as it is our belief he is really, representative for London in the room of Mr. Grote. But at present we beg leave to remark, that such an issue of the election is wholly superfluous to the validity of an argument, which appears to us of infinitely more importance than the decision of the sunple question whether Mr. Palmer or Mr. Grote should turn up on a scrutiny of 10,000 1837. 'THE TIMES' ON CITY ELECTION. 117 or 12,000 votes to have on one side a majority of 13, on the other of 23. The important consideration is this — that Mr. Grote, besides retaining his station in the rear of his three Radical colleagues, not having gained a single inch uj)on any of them in consequence of his two and a-half year's exhibitions of ultra-Benthamite foolery during the whole of the last Parliament, has polled on this occasion between 500 and 600 votes fewer than he did at the election of 1835, and that Mr. Horslet Palmer has been supported by a number of electors amounting to nearly 900 more than voted at that same election for Mr. Ltall, the foremost of the Conservative candidates. Now, had such a contrast been exhibited between Mr. Palmer and any other Radical candidate for London but only Mr. Grote, we should really have thought very little about the matter as a subject for political commentary. But who and what, speaking of him characteristically, is Mr. George Grote ? He is a banker of imblemished reputation, and with all the influence over a commercial city derived from that important calling. But Mr. Grote is also a great deal more. He is a very amiable and much respected member of society, an accom- plished scholar, a man, moreover, most estimable and exemplary in all the relations of domestic life. Yet this gentleman has gained no ground with any class of Liberals in the city of London — yea, he has lost ground. Relatively to Mr. Wood, who is very fit to be a Radical alderman, but has not wisdom to be anything beyond it ; to Mr. Crawford, who is a commonplace jog-trot merchant ; and to Mr. Pattison, who has just brains and respectability sufficient to qualify him for a banker's clerk, the showy speechmaker, Mr. Grote, has not so much as trodden upon the heels of any one of them. Now, we should like our readers to ask themselves wherefore is this stagnation, wherefore this retrogression ? Possessed of every personal quality fitted to ingratiate him with his fellow-citizens of London, we must travel out of his social and private character to account for such a phenomenon of a few years' growth. It is therefore to the political attributes of Mr. Grote that we have to turn for a solution of the difficulty. Messrs. Wood, and Pattison, and Crawford arc Radicals, it is true- — blind, stupid, mill-horses of the Democratic, or as they fancy it the Reforming, Association. Nobody cares about them, nobody thinks about them ; — whether they be in or out of Parliament, they are symbols of nothing — types of nothing ; their re-election to the House of Commons, or their exclusion from it, Avould provoke no particle of speculation 118 PERP-ONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. XIII. as to its causes, or of inference tliat those causes went beyond more individual circumstances. But it is not so with Mr. Grote. That hon. gentleman has made himself the frontispiece of a revolutionary- code. He has become the representative and the peculiar organ of whatever is most chimerical in theory, most reckless in experi- ment, most fatal and revolting in hostility to our national insti- tutions. Mr. Grote personifies the movement system. He con- centrates in himself the destructive principle, of which he is, substantially at least, if not vociferously, the most obstinate and incorrigible doctrinaire. Mr. Grote is one of those individuals of whom it may with truth be said that the progress of the public mind towards revolution would be most clearly developed as well as demonstrated by their increased authority over it : but that their political downfall or decline could originate in nothing else than a general reaction towards Conservatism amongst the people of England. Mr. Grote, if once more a member, which at mid- night yesterday we were assured he was not, is still at the fag end of the city poll-books — still hoots to the metropolitan concern. His station, even if returned for London, proves that there is something rotten in the state of Radicalism, that the principle of everlasting change begins to be abjured by its most zealous idolaters, and that if London does not advance, all the rest of England must ere long be retrograde. We heartily congi-atu- late our countrymen on the decisive efficacy of this first great blow. The opponents of the new Poor Law Act were so angry with Grrote, for the active support of it afforded by him in the House of Commons, that they exerted themselves to defeat his return for the City of London in every way open to them. Among these were handbills, largely circulated to his prejudice among the constituency. I give here an extract or two from one of these, as specimens of party warfare in these pugnacious days : — " We thus see that Mr. Grote approves of all the main ends of the Bill, its chief end palpably being to deal with poverty as a crime." * * * * " In fine, so determined was Mr. Grote in his advocacy of this measure, that he spoke in all no less than nineteen times in favour of the Bill, and divided against every proposition to qualify its provisions or moderate its rigour," &c. 1837. LETTER FROM A CITIZEN OF LONDON. 119 It was in 1837 that the expectations of the Kadical party, connected with the political course of Lord Durham, came to an end. That gifted but wayward nobleman, when he published the ill-advised letter to Mr. Bowlby, lost at one stroke the confidence of the advanced Liberal party and the chances of attaining high office. When he broke off from his Eadical " following " he was formidable no longer, and was easily kept outside of the Cabinet. Since the political chronicle will in future possess but slender interest (so far as relates to Mr. Grote, at least), I am tempted to introduce here a letter from a citizen of London, whose steadfast friendship formed one of the most grateful subjects of reflection in Grote's thoughts, as well in youth as in mature age. The writer is happily still amongst us, and therefore I suppress his name ; but those who knew the Historian, and his small circle of intimate acquaintance, will recognise the hand of his valued correspondent. New Noefolk Steeet, Tuesday morning, 2oth July, 1837. Mt dear Geote, — I trust that om- majority of twenty-three will be confirmed by a closer examination of the poll-books, and that we shall still have the satisfaction and the honour of being represented by you. It is on public grounds and for the sake of the public good that I feel interested in this question. The choice of a body which is sufficiently degraded in intelligence to place you at the bottom of the poll^ and " absolute wisdom " at the top, certainly cannot be valued at a high rate, and I will not pay you so poor a compliment as to congratulate you upon your re-election. As one of the com- munity, however, I do rejoice in the prospect of having you again in the House — a rare example in that assembly of talent and integrity united. When is the declaration of the poll ? and do you wish mo to accompany you to the hustings on that occasion ? I ask the question because I do not intend to go into the City to-day for ordinary purposes ; but I shall most gladly hold myself at your command, and attend to any wish you may express. Don't trouble yom-self further than simply to answer the questions which 1 have put. Yours very faithfully. 120 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. XIIL Glad to escape from the ennuis and vexations of political life, we left London on the 1st of August, and travelled all night behind four post-hoi-ses, in our own post-chaise, to Dover. A tempestuous passage to Boulogne next day of five and a half hours. We travelled across France, by Dijeu and Besan^on, through the gorges of the beautiiul Jura, into Switzerland. The following letter will depict what was passing in our minds : — Mrs. Grote to Sir William Molesworth, Bart., M.P. SoLOTHURN, ISih August, 1.S37. Dear Sir William, — George was sadly dejected by learning the result of Hume's election, which was communicated to us by a stranger (a Swiss) at Moutiers in the Val de Travers, on Friday last, whilst oiu" horses were changing. We have not, as yet, received any letters from England, for we were uncertain as to our exact route, and ordered them for Berne, as the surest entrepot. I hope I shall get one from you when we tap at the post-office window. If not, pray write all the news immediately, and addi-ess, " Poste restante. Lucerne." I wrote to Charles Buller, desiring to have letters of credence from him to certain " revolutionary incendiaries " of his acquaintance in Switzerland. Not a word in reply ! En revancJie, " Ma'am B." tendered me an introduction to a good old To7-y Bernois. Not bad, eh ? I don't see how we Eadicals are to make head this coming Parliament at all. Our ranks are indeed properly tliLnned out. But O'Connell must stick in Hume and Eoebuck, and eke Ewart. I trust he will be urged to this by some of you The brunt of the battle will have to be sustained by Grote and you, aided by Buller, Leader, Charles Villiers, and a few more I really feel astounded when I hear of Radical after Radical losing the cast, and none of the new men successful either ! The loss of Perthshire and Middlesex must annoy the Whigs mightily. God knows what our fate is to be either, about " Petition." The French papers are writing lots of speculations on our present dilemma — some silly, but others able. What next even you can't prophesy, I suppose? I hope you are getting together a tidy number of " Matchless," and, among the table of contents, a real " W. M " When we return, do pound at George to write an article on the Swiss political condition, and state and advance of mind of various Cantons. He reads and spells by the hour everything he 1837. TOUR IN SWITZERLAND. 121 can lay hands upon, and seems, as heretofore, deeply interested in acquiring an insight into the working of opinions among instructed natives. We had one truly delightful talk of three-quarters of an hour with a member of the Neuchatel Legislature, on the subject of the Neuchatel anomalous political relations, with the Federation on the one hand and the King of Prussia on the other, and the incessant difficulties of their position. There are some admirable " tracts " to be met with, and some historical notices, penned in a very sagacious and pure sj^irit. It certainly is a refreshing country to ramble in, on account of the sound basis on which, substantially viewed, morals and political obligations rest. Our weather has been hotter than is agreeable, and withal thunder and lightning and torrents of rain, ever since last Friday, when we crossed the outer range of the Jui-a (from Besan9on to Pontarlier), in a heat which almost stifled us. The thermometer positively gave 91° Fahr. all day till sis p.m., when the storm arose, hail assaulted us (as large as filberts), and down the thermometer went to 70°. It was a grand scene, however ; yesterday SI'', and thunder and lightning the whole of last night. To-day we came to Soleui-e from Neuchatel, — and a charming piece of antiquity it is, — seated on the rapid Aar and backed by the Jura — the town within three houi's' walk of one of its heights. I have suffered from the heat and one head crack ; else I am pretty well, and work hard. George well, but demurs to exercise during day, sun being " too much of a good thing " here, he says. " Mousing " in the " Buchhand- lerimgen " is the great pastime, lugging away armsfuU of stufi" to cram the carriage withal, to the dismay of poor " Henry," who is at his wits' end how to stoio the same so as to leave room for " Mistress " to get in. I hope you will carry your man in East Cornwall. Take care of yom* health, and don't sit " smurring " indoors, but take air and exercise, I entreat you. George sends love ; he has no heart on coming Session, and deplores the loss of old William IV. daily. How amusing ! He is, above all, anxious for Hume to get seated, somehow. H. Geote. Whilst Mr. Grote and myself were on this tour in Switzer- land, I received a letter from a friend closely mixed up with the political world. I extract a few passages : — August 11th, 1837. You will have seen how the Counties have been gained by tho Tories, to such an extent and with such facility as if an eiiidemic 122 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GKOTE. Chap. XIIL bad infected tliem all. The return of "Old Glory" (Sir F. Biirdett) for Wiltshire was especially disgraceful. But, indeed, throughout all England the spectacle has been disgraceful. Such venality and corruption in the old Boroughs, and intimidation in the Counties! Good must come out of evil, however, and the necessity for the Ballot has been made apparent to many men who have been hitherto opposed to it. * * * * My private ojnnion is, that they (the Whigs) will lean to Toryism rather than to Eadicalism. In truth, there is little difference between the two aristocratic parties as to the principles of government, and the possession of place is almost the only ground of strife. * * * * What a farce it is ! Oh, the con- temptible rage for titles and ribands which I see 1 "(T. Y.)" We returned home towards the end of September, and found the solitude of London during the next two months very acceptable. Our first " London season " had passed off agreeably ; dinners, and evening reunions, and political meetings among oiir Radical circles, succeeding each other frequently. Some of our French acquaintances came over to England, and we exerted ourselves to render their stay enjoyable. In July we made an interesting excursion to Portsmouth, in company with our friends Mr. and Mrs. Stevenson, the American Minister and his lady, who invited us to join them. Mr. John Duer, the eminent American jurist, was of the party. We all went on board the American frigate, the ' Independence,' and were entertained at luncheon. As we were being rowed back to Portsmouth, in the commodore's barge, I entered into conversation with the coxswain, a Massachusetts man. He seemed discon- tented with the service, and said that *' their Navy was not so well paid as the merchant service." I learned afterwards that, for the whole period of the frigate's stay in these waters, no one of the seamen was permitted leave on shore : Com- modore Nicolson apprehending desertion on their part. We passed two evenings with our American friends at Portsmouth, and Grote and myself felt much interest in listening to histories and anecdotes of proceedings in the 1837. ACQUAmTANCE WITH AMERICANS. 123 American House of Bepresentatives, of which Mr. Stevenson had formerly been for some years the speaker.* American politics had for many years occupied Grote's attention, and engaged his sympathy. He was a great admirer of the * Federalist,' the pages of which, he always declared, revealed the highest qualities of j)hilosophical statesmanship. I may here add that Grote was ever ready to accej^t the society of well-educated Americans, with some of whom both he and I contracted in bygone years ties of personal friendship. As an example of " changes " of which a long life has made me a witness, I may mention that in this year, 1837, it happened that my friend Lord William Bentinck and Mr. John Duer met at our table in London. A day or two afterwards his Lordship called upon me, and alluding to the dinner party said, " I thought your American very pleasant company, and it was, moreover, a surprise to me, for I never in my life before met an American in society!" — "Well, but," I replied, " when you were Governor-General of India you must have seen Americans out there ? " — " Only ship captains," rejoined Lord William, " whom I now and then thought it right to * A few years subsequent to the date of this excursion, Mr. Stevenson wrote to Mr. Grote the following letter. The picture occupied a con8j)icuous place in the Historian's library ever afterwards. "32, Uppee Geosvenor Steeet, May 8th, 1841. "My deae Sir, " I send according to promise the head of Mr. Jefferson in crayon ; it was done from life, by one of his accomjilished grand- daughters, and it hung in my house for many years. It is quite simple and plain, but I hope not too much so, to have a place in youj library. I present it to you with the greatest pleasure, because I know no one who understands and apj^rcciates his prin- ciples and character better. I hope it may prove acceptable. Eely on it, my dear sir, bo was one of the noblest and purest patriots that ever lived, and emphatically the apostle of liberty. 1 beg its acceptance moreover, as a token of my esteem and regard. " Yours faithfully, " A. Stevenson." 124 PEKSONAL LIFE OF GEOEGP: GROTE. Chap. XIII. invite to my great Government House dinners, but I never spohe to any of them." Reflecting upon the modern cordial appreciation of Ame- ricans by the English, I think this one of the " changes " worth noting. The new Parliament was called together in November, 1837, Lord John Eussell throwing off at the very outset by a declaration of hostility to all Radical measures of Reform. Next came the proposition for a most extravagant Civil List, and a negative upon enquiry into the Pension List. But wlien the last question was mooted afresh, on a motion by Mr. Edward Strutt for " enquiry," the Government was forced to give way. A committee was immediately appointed, in- cluding Mr. Grote's name : he also sat upon the committee for settling the amount of the Civil List, where he strove to limit the demands of Ministers, now and then receiving aid from Joseph Hume, George Evans, and Edward Strutt. I believe the report of the committee on the Pension List was drawn up by Mr. Grote's hand. Towards the end of the year 1837, the Canadian Revolt caused much excitement, and the Ministry gave notice of an intention to re-assemble Parliament early in January, for the purpose of meeting the urgency of the case. During this short session a petition was presented to the House of Commons, and the committee was actually struck against all the four Liberal Members for the City of London ; but funds not being forthcoming, the petition was ultimately abandoned. 1838. DIVISION ON THE BALLOT. 125 CHAPTEE XIV. 1838. The year began with terribly severe weather, lasting for maoy weeks. The Government resolutions in respect to Canada gave the utmost dissatisfaction to the genuine Eadicals, and Mr. Grote took a prominent part in opposing and denouncing their policy at every turn, sustained by Hume, Warburton and a few others, among whom was the steady, self-reliant Eaikes Currie. On the Ballot question coming forward, the Whigs strove vigorously to make a stout show against it ; but the pressure of the electoral body on the Members manifested itself in the division — two hundred of them voting with Grote, among whom were two members of the Government, viz., Sir Hussey Vivian and Mr. Kobert Steuart. The debate lasted from five p.m. to one o'clock the next morning, and was hotly maintained during the whole of these seven hours. We were actively engaged in the Ballot interest all the summer of this year; corresponiHng with leading Liberals in towns, and sending models all over the country. Here is a letter on the subject : — Dear Sir William Molesworth, — Before this reaches you I trust my Ballot model will have come to hand : sent in first place to Exeter for exhibition there, with orders to be forwarded to " The Cock of the West." Should they have used all the cards, I must dejjcnd on your replacing them by a score or two of fresh cards, printed at Bodmin (in alphabetical order, remember). I have despatched similar models, instructions, and cards to Scotland, to Birmingham, Derbyshire, and Stroud ; and Warbiu-ton is sending one to Bridport. Another goes this day to O'Connell, announced by a letter (in Grote's name) to " The Liberator." * * * « ^oso})liical ; and the o 2 196 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. XXIH. editor might have looked a long while before he found another man competent to write it. I shall not say anything more in this note, hoping soon to be well enough to talk it over with you personally. In August I set off for the north of England, in order to visit some old friends, Mr. and Mrs. Ord, at Whitfield, in Northumberland, ]\Iiss Senior accompanying me on this excursion. Mr. Grote joined me at Derby early in September, and after a few days spent at one of our farms in Lincoln- shire, we paid a visit to Mr. Edward Strutt in Nottingham- shire. Whilst at Kingston Hall, Grote took part in a spirited game at cricket, along with the Rev. H. Malthus and Sir John Romilly, then Attorney-General. I insert here a letter which will be read with interest : — George Grote to G. C. Lewis. BuRNHAM Beeches, Slough, l(Sth Septemhcr, 1850. 1 called upon you at the Treasury on Thursday last, being in town for three or four days, between a visit which Mrs. Grote and I have just been making to Mr. and Mrs. Strutt and our coming down here, where we arrived on Saturday, and where we intend to stay for the present. * * * * I am working on with my ' History,' having got beyond the Peace of Antalkidas. I have devoted three chapters to the narrative of the Anabasis, several portions of which I have presented (as I thi:ik) in a new point of view. It makes a very interesting tale, and has been handled at considerable length both by Mitford and by Thirlwall ; so I have thought it necessary to bestow as much space upon it as would enable me really to bring out the sentunent, as well as the philosophy, of Xenophon's recital. It is a terrible loss to be divorced from Thucydides, with whom I had been so long in intimate conununion. I was much rejoiced to hear (when at Strutt's house) from Sir J. Eomilly, whom I met there, that the comments and new exjjla- nations in my last two volumes, on various passages of Thucydides, had met generally with favour and acceptance among the docti at Cambridge. He hears this from his cousin, Joseph liomilly, who is a resident tutor at the University. This is the best news which I can expect 1849-1850. LETTER TO G. C. LEWIS. 197 as to Cantabrigian opinion ; for as to the tone and sentiment of my book, I know that tliat must be repugnant to tliem. John Eomilly is one of the members of the Commission for inquiring into the University of Cambridge, and appears to be very earnest in the matter. I think both the two Commissions are composed of men as liberal-minded as it was possible to put upon them. One cannot expect much i^rofitable result, however (I fear) from any of their suggestions — even if the university dignitaries were more willing to co-operate than can reasonably be supposed : because the scheme and practice of education, even as now pursued, is quite on a level with the standard of intellectual and moral character, as recognised among the adult Tublic without, and no considerable improvement in education could find acceptance until some loftier idea is formed of the objects to be aimed at. Something might be done about Fellowships, perhaps, to make them the means of protecting from want laborious men of science or letters, who are employed for years together in uuremunerative study and production. No man can write a long work on history or philosophy who has not means of sujiport independent of what the work is to produce. I hope your official duties, during the vacation at least, are not sufficiently absorbing to prevent you from continuing literary pur- suits, and that, too, with definite end of publication. There is nothing like having some such end in view for giving value and importance to all that one reads in the way of illustration or imi>rovement. The persons within my knowledge, from whom any sound rea- soning or instruction is to be expected, are so few in number, that I do not like to see any of them unemployed. Mrs. Grote is tolerably well — much as usual. Pray give our united regards to Lady Theresa. Late in the autumn Mr. Bain paid us a long visit, and witli him the Historian took daily walks, and discussed various profound subjects with great relish. I liud the following entry in the diary of December, 1850 : — "Mr. Grote has steadily progressed with his ninth and tenth volumes during this year, and is now almost in a condition to announce them as going to press. Grote's health has stood pretty well during this year (1850) ; but during my absence in the north of England (he remaining in Savile 198 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. XXIII. Row, by preference) he was not well, being plagued with tubercles in the mouth, with other indications of a deranged condition of the blood. Dr. Babington attended and phy- sicked him for three weeks, but it was not until the middle of October that he fairly got rid of the vexatious little ulcers under the tongue, by the use of sarsaparilla, which I pre- vailed upon him to take." The final months of this year (1850) were passed at Burnham, to which residence we were never more to return. Tlie house and garden was let to the widow of Sir Lancelot Shadwell, and the land to our own gardener and tenant, John James. This step had become necessary on account of Mrs. Grote's bad health, which was unequal to the task of directing two establishments, and it was also the desire of Mr. Grote to spend more of his time in London, for the sake of the access it afforded to public libraries. The Queen invited us again during this winter to her theatrical " soirees," to which we repaired accordingly, to my unfeigned enjoyment. Mr. Grote superintended the printing of the third edition of volumes three and four of the ' History ' during the autumn, and this duly came out in the beginning of December. 1851. VISIT TO LORD LlVElirOOL. lOi) CHAPTER XXIV. 1851. Thf: residence at East Buruham being given up to Lady Shadwell, we removed to Loudon early in January. After a few weeks, I prevailed upon Mr. Grote to accept an invitation from Lord Liverpool to pay him a visit at Buxted Park. We went down to Lewes, and posted across in our own carriage to that pleasant abode, from whence I addressed a letter to friend Senior, as follows: — Mrs. Grote to Mr. Senior. Ijuxted Tauk, Sussex, Itlt February, 1851. * * * * Overcome by tlie worry of settling my liousebokl, I yielded to two temi)tatious, and lugged the Historian with me to the Millpond * last week for a couple of days, which we enjoyed really very much. Theresa was in every respect agreeable and congenial, and " Old George " put out his best faculties to be the hospitable host of the Mill. Nobody there but Madame Mere and the children ; Villiers included, who is at Cambridge now, and a promising youth enough. George Lewis walked the Historian hugely ; and they were hapj)y over their learning and their vast doubts of everything ! We next accepted a cordial invitation to spend a few days with Lord Liverpool, and came doAvn yesterday, in one of the numerous beautiful days which have been so bounteously granted us this winter. A fine and cmious old library (of Sir George Shuckburgh's * " The Millpond " is the name which I had bestowed upon the residence of Mr. G. C. Lewis and Lady Theresa, near to Lord Claren- don's seat, The Grove, near Watford. It was, in fact, the Miller's house, amplified and embellished, so as to form a summer dwelling for Lord Clarendon's relations when recj^uired. 200 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. XXIV. collecting) unfolds tho contents of its closets before my goodman, who is enchanted to find such treasures round him, though his taste for bibliographical curiosities is not so lively as that of some other scholars. The collection, however, is in itself highly interesting, and of a solid character. I sent you three ' Spectators ' to Naples, but it does not appear that one reached you I I fancy newspapers are the most feared of all imports there. You do not know how much you have escaped by being out of England this winter : not so much as to the fogs (of which however, we have had so little to comi)lain, that you need hardly have feared them), but the talk of the " Papal Aggression," which has absorbed all other topics. I own myself one of the " narrow- minded bigots" who would fain see the Pope receive an emphatic rebuke for his presimiptxious proceeding, fearing the futui-e pro- gress of his encroaching species. But of course I find very few to uphold me in my views. Henry Eeeve, however, stands by me, and I suspect that Mrs. Austin, if she could bring herself to adoi)t an opinion on any subject, would side with me. Cardinal Wiseman paid her a long visit last week (at Weybridge), and the impression left on her mind was that he had lost his head! She passed a couple of days with us in Savile Row, and was very good company, Austin staying alone at Weybridge. * * * * Don't you know what is tho matter with John Austin ? He has been languishing for the want of a listener, ever since Lucy left them in their meat-safe of a house, which, by the bye, has killed the Nubian, and no wonder ! Ever since, J. A. has moulted, like a sick bird ; but the presence of a listener (or listeners) will revive him like magic, you will see. It is the indispensable condition of his existence ; talk, and monological talk. After our visit to Buxted Park, which we found very agreeable, we stayed quietly in Savile Eow for the next two months. I find in Diary of 12th April this entry : — " George has bought books of Alex. Durlacher to the amount of 131Z. We have been leading a very domestic life, scarcely crossing the threshold after 6 o'clock p.m., and seeing mighty little company at home, George steadily plying his labours, and I amusing myself with my customary pursuits." 1851. EXHFBITION IN HYDE PARK. 201 I subjoin a short note of literary interest : — George Gbote to G. C. Lewis. 12, Savile Row, May 21th, 1851. I am mucli obliged to yon for sending me tbe botanical notes, which I herewith return, having taken account of the substance of them in my copy of Arrian. It is highly satisftictory to find that his statements stand examination so well. I have ordered Schneidewin's edition of Heraclides. The first Great Exhibition, in Hyde Park, was the leading feature of the summer of 1851. We spent a vast deal of time in the building, at intervals, and were called upon to show much attention to the foreign visitors who flocked over to this novel and attractive show. M. Leon Faucher, then J\Iinister of the Interior under the Kepublic, paid us a visit of ten or twelve days in Savile Row. Madame Faucher and the secretary accompanied him, and were also lodged in our house. We hired a villa for two months of this summer, at Roehampton, where we usually passed three days of every week, the racket of London proving almost intolerable to both George and myself. In October we both went to Exeter to visit our children, whom we saw fit to remove from the charge of Mr. and Mrs. Box, placing them under the care of their aunt, on the same terms wliich we had agreed to pay for the three to Mr. Box. Before leaving Devonshire we made a little excursion to Dartmoor, taking with us Mrs. Trelawny and Miss Howell. I find this entry in Diary of September, 1851 : "The success of Grote's 'History' is exceedingly great, and even remunerative." The annexed letter is likely to be read with more than common interest. The variety of the learning wliich it oflors to the scholar-friend's attention makes this a rich possession for the modern student of philosophy : — 202 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. XXIV. George Grote to G. C. Lewis. Odohtr Isf, 185L I am much obliged to you for what you say about Mr. Sainsbury. Pray recollect that I do not mean to ask any favour for him. The interpretation of c^iAoKaXovjucv /act eureXeia?, which you and Waddington give, is not the true one in my judgment. " We cultivate the fine arts without needless expense" is a sentiment which (though the meaning of the words will very naturally bear it) would not be pronounced by Perikles, and would not be either assented to or relished by his hearers. First, it was not true as matter of fact : and not only it was not true, but the contrary was emphatically true. The ornamental outlay in Athens had been prodigiously great, and was also quite recent. (See my ' History,' vol. vi. pp. 26-32.) Moreover, it had been intentionally great, in order that the ^avcpa ot//is (Thucyd. i. 10) of the city might become imposing. Next, I apprehend that the Athenians generally were proud (religiously as well as politically), not only of having achieved a great result in this way, but also of having consecrated so large a simi of money to what they accounted a noble object. They would think it the reverse of a compliment to be told that they had got the result at a small cost. A marble statue of Athene might be as fine (artistically speaking) as one of ivory and gold : nevertheless, they thought the latter material more suitable, because it was more costly. Recollect that the outlay here alluded to was all past outlay, not prospective outlay, which makes a great difference. If the Propylaea had not then existed, Perikles would not have proposed, and the people would not have tolerated, a prospective outlay of two thousand talents to construct them, at a time when Athens was beset by war. But since the Propylaea did exist, the people would like to take credit, not merely for the impo.sing aspect which they presented, but also for the great simi which they had cost. I think on these grounds, that eiVcXetas, as you interjjret it, expresses a sentiment not suitable either for Perikles or for the hearers. About cfaXoKaXovfiev, too, I also differ with you. If Thucydides or Perikles had intended to bring into view distinctly the outlay for public works and monuments, I think he would hardly have used the word cftiKoKaXovfiev, but some other word more specially appropriate. The word c^cAoo-ot^oii/xev, which immediately follows, evidently does not refer to any particular measures or pro- 1851. LETTER TO G. C. LEWIS. 203 ceedings of the governnient, and it appears to me that (/xAokoAov^ci/ correL\tes with it in this respect. Both refer to the tastes, senti- ments, and pui-suits, prevalent among the citizens generally, and manifesting themselves both in private proceedings and in public. The words /xer ei'rcXei'as, equivalent to avev TroXvTcActas, seem to me to indicate that the tone of sentiment called to (fnXoKaXov was com- mon to the poorest citizens as well as to the rich, and to men who were content with their poverty. To (fiLXoKaX(.iv had a natural tendency, more or less (as modern experience teaches us that it has even now), to seduce men into a love of expense — just as to pLa<; Kal tttjXov ^avei'Tos rais a/xa^ais SwcrTropevTOV liriarr) 6 Ki'pos (tvv rots Trepi avrov dpt'crrois Kai €iSat//,ove(rTaTois, Koi eraie TXovv koI ILiyprjra XajSovra^ tov PapfSapiKov arparov o-weK/3t/3a- ^£tv Tots dyu.a^as. . . . €vOv<; 8e(Tvv tovtol'S cl(nrr]8i^(TavTe<; eh tov TrrjXov OuTTOv rj ws Tis av o}€to [ji,€T€Mpov<; lieKofJLLcrav Ta<; ap.d^a^. I find 7rr;Aos again in Arrian, vii. 21, 7, for the muddy swamps near the Euphrates : oVt lXvw8r]temher 1st. — If you knew in what a confusion my poor head has been during several weeks past, you would not only feel thankful at receiving a line, but would marvel at my undertaking to write at all. My anxiety about G. G. was, doubtless, the primary cause of my headaches, for he came to Barrow Green thoroughly out of health ; ' topping up ' with an ague 1 and frightening me out of my wits one night at 11.30 p.m. Thank Heaven! he is now quite well again, and I am nowise amiss either. * • * * \ye have had Mr. and Mrs. Bain here ; John Mill and his stepdaughter, Miss Helen Taylor ; Mrs. Stanley (who was much pleased to meet Mill) ; Professor Grote of Cambridge, and our niece. Miss Alexandrina Grote; Dr. and Mrs. Neil Aruott, &c. &c." We spent a pleasant time after this happy recovery, until about the 20tli October, when the Historian and myself 254 PEESONAL LIFE OP GEORGE GROTE. Chap. XXX. accepted an earnest invitation to Harpton Court. Before giving any account of our proceedings, however, I must make room for a few lines which reached me previous to leaving home, from our old hahitue Charles Austin. This accomplished gentleman and — I say it advisedly, considering myself qualified to apply the epithet — first of conversers, had, after making an ample fortune by his pro- fession, withdrawn from London society to bury himself in Suffolk, where the occupation of building churches, adminis- tering parish affairs, sitting at sessions, adjusting squabbles between Nonconformists and Churchmen, overlooking his tenantry, and so forth, filled up the leisure of him who had formerly been the ornament of cultivated circles. His name occurs more than once in this modest record of the past ; and it causes me a passing regret to think it will do so no more. Here is the sportive effusion in question : — Charles Austin to Mrs. Geote. October, 18G1. * * * I often wish to hear from time to time what views prevail in your house as to the condition of mankind and the general universe ? The world is very full of noise just now. Here, however, in the depth of the country, the echoes are faint, and I am compelled to draw, as well as I can, conclusions from the ' Times.' Tell Grote that one of my chief fears about dying is, lest I die before he prints his book about Plato and Aristotle. Perhaps it may be reserved for me in the Elysian Fields ? About the middle of October we duly journeyed down to Harpton Court, in Kadnorshire, and paid a visit of a week to Sir George and Lady Theresa Lewis ; thence to Cabalva, on the Wye, passing two days there with the Master of the Rolls and his family. On leaving Cabalva, we drove across country to Ludlow. The next day, after spending an hour or two among the interesting remains of the old Castle, we posted on to Bridgenorth, and so to Badger Hall, IMr. Henry Cheney's. After spending a few days there, we paid a visit to Lord and 18^1. D:fiG:6RAND0 ON PHILOSOPHY. 255 Lady Wrottesley, at their " Vieille Baraque," in the "Black Country." Grote was much absorbed here by two objects. First, there was an extensive and ancient library at the top of the house, full of old books ; many of them of considerable value and rarity ; secondly, there was attached to the esta- blishment a young astronomer, with an Observatory in the grounds. Between Lord Wrottesley and the Professor, Grote acquired, for the first time, some practical insight into the mode of observing the stars, and his attention was agreeably engaged by the explanations afforded to him.* Whilst we were at Harpton Court, passing one forenoon into Mr. Grote's dressing-room, I asked him (as was my wont to do), " What are you reading there, George ? " " I am studying Degerando's ' Histoire des Systemes de Philosophie,' and here is something which it will amuse you to read " (handing me the book). I looked through the passage, and then enjoyed a hearty laugh over it, along with the Historian. " Capital, is it not ? " said he. " Yes ; but it hits you metaphysicians very hard, methinks !" " That is true ; nevertheless it is a happy specimen of satirical pleasantry, and I really must take a note of it." " Oh, pray let me do it for you. I am in want of a job this morning." Here is the extract, made at the time. P. 49. (He describes what Philosophy is, in fact — ) " Une multitude d'hypotheses, elevees en quelque sorte au hasard, et rapidement detruites : une diversite d'opinions d'autant plus sensible que la Philosophie a ete plus developpee : des * The gentleman alluded to was well aware of the reputation of the visitor whom he was instructing, and took an opportunity of expressing his pride and satisfaction thereat to a third party : adding, " Only think of my being able to teach the Historian of Greece things which he did )iot know ! " 256 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE, Chap. XXX. sectes, des partis meme, des disputes interminables, des speculations steriles, des erreurs maintenues et transmises par une imitation aveugle : quelques decouvertes obtenues avec lenteur, et melangees d'idees fausses : des reformes annoncees a chaque siecle et jamais accomplies: une succession de doctrines qui se renversent les unes les autres sans pouvoir obtenir plus de solidite. La raison humaine, ainsi promenee dans un triste cercle de vicissitudes, et ne s'elevant a quelques epoques fortunees que pour retomberbien tot dans de nouveaux ecarts, etc. etc. Les memes questions, enfin, qui partagerent, il y a plus de vingt siecles, les premiers genies de la Gr^ce, agitees encore aujourd'hui apres tant de volumineux ecrits consacres a les discuter." The last weeks of 1861 were passed at Barrow Green; not quietly however, for we had our house full the greater part of the time, of friends and relations. A couple of days' visit to Chevening closed the chapter very pleasantly, except that the unlooked-for death of the Prince Consort cast a shade over the enjoyments of all of us at this season : a uni- versal feeling of mournful regret pervading the English mind, nowhere better expressed, let it be said in passing, than in the words of Sir George Lewis (reproduced in his correspond- ence, published in 1870) : — * * * " It will entirely alter the Queen's existence : he cannot be replaced. I am quite unable to estimate the pro- bable consequences of this most disastrous event " (p. 408). 1362. DECLINES TO VISIT GREECR. -257 CHAPTER XXXI. 1862. Mr. John Stuart Mill having addressed an earnest invi- tation to George Grote to join him and Miss Helen Taylor in undertaking a visit to Greece, received a letter in reply which is here reproduced for my readers. Savile Row, Jan. 1862. I reply to your late very acceptable letter from St. Veran, with the strongest feeling of regret that I cannot accept your invitation to share with you in the enjoyment of a visit to Greece. To go through those scenes, and especially to go through them in your company, would be to me pre-eminently delightful ; but, alas ! my physical condition altogether forbids it. I am fortunate enough to enjoy tolerable physical power, and a fair average of health ; but all this depends upon regularity of life, and continual neighbour- hood to good medical aid. * * * * j could not possibly stay away from London without the greatest discomfort for so long as two months. Still less could I endure the fatigue of horse and foot exercise, which an excui-sion in Greece must inevitably entail. I consider it fortunate that I have so much force left, mental and bodily, upon condition of regular life and vicinity to London. My old age is cast very comfortably ; but I must not impose upon it fatigues which it would have required all my strength to sustain even when I was half of my present age. I envy you and Miss Taylor your contemplated excursion ; but 1 must be content with wishing you health and happiness to execute it, and with expressing my hope that I may hear from yoti at Athens. The passage which you indicated in ' Lucian ' was unknown to me, and is very interesting. Your intimation of what you had been doing about Sir W. Hamilton's works was still more interesting, as it holds out to me the hope that you may one of these days revert to those higher speculative and logical subjects with which ho busies himself. I am quite sure that there is a prodigious deal of new truth yet to be unfolded respecting what are called the first prin- S 258 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. CnAr. XXXI. ciples of knowledge. The highest abstractions and the most general terms have all been darkened and distorted, for the purpose of yielding support to unsound theories and to vicious conditions of belief. I have just been reading your three articles in ' Eraser's Maga- zine,' upon the Principle of Utility, having waited until I could peruse them all de svite. I consider the essay altogether a most useful and capital performance. * * * * The next letter runs upon scholar topics, being addressed to his friend Lewis. George Geote to G. C. Lewis. Baerow Green, Oxted, Surrey, 9^/i Feh. 1862. I am much obliged to you for your Dissertation on the recently- discovered Inscription — whether Oscan or Umbrian. It is an amusing jiai'ody of the proceedings of rash expositors, who start without any matters of established certainty from which to draw inferences. I ought before this to have written to thank you for your book of Ancient Astronomy. But I delayed doing so until I had read the book through ; and having now done so, I can perform the task with more satisfaction. I can say, without the least exaggeration, that it is a tridy useful and instructive exposition : very excellent, both in what it teaches and in what it unteaches. I have found it exceedingly useful in clearing up my ideas of the astronomy of the Platonic times, upon which I am now engaged, though not expressly with a view to astronomy. You deseirve every compli- ment for the example which you set of always producing authorities and giving copious references. Your chapters on the Egyptian and Assyrian interpretations are also exceedingly valuable. I never knew so much about the Egyptian matters before. Nothing can be more fanciful than Bunsen's guesses ! In your comment upon my views about Plato's Eotation of the Earth, you mention Head's interpretation of aXovjxivrjv with favour. But if that be the right interpretation, there sm-ely can be no doubt that Plato did believe in the earth's rotation. Boeckh's argument is therefore invalid, that Plato cannot have believed the starry sphere to rotate ; and Whewell's suspicions, which you approve, must also be invalid. 1862. VICE-CHANCELLOR OF UNIVERSITY OF LONDON. 259 I cannot say, however, that your reasoning has convinced me, either that clXovfjievov means what Head thinks, or that Plato con- ceived the cosmical axis as an imaginary line. In page 107, Aristagoras is printed by mistake for Anaxagoras (line 2 of note). I congratulate you on having found leisure to enlarge your fame, both as a scholar and as a tl linker, by this excellent volume. Early in January we repaired to Tedworth, according to usage, to pay our respects to Lord Broughton. In February a very important meeting of Trustees of the British Museum took place, Grote going up to attend it, from Barrow Green. He had assisted to frame the Report, based upon the decision come to in December 1861, to separate the departments ; and to his undisguised satisfaction the report was adopted, almost every member of the Cabinet being present, ])lus the Archbishop of Canterbury. About the second week in March we settled ourselves in Savile Row. Grote accepted the office of Vice-Chancellor of the University of London, to which was now superadded that of Treasurer of University College. The London season went on with more than its accustomed "racket" and pleasure-seeking, since a second colossal "Show-box" had been brought into the market, in the International Building at South Kensington. The attractions of this cosmopolitan mart might be said to equal those of the Glass Edifice of 1851, in Hyde Park ; and the whole summer seemed insufficient to allow of the general public getting enough enjoyment out of this truly wonderful display. As 50,000 persons repeatedly entered the building in one day, some idea may be formed of the total number which must have passed through before it finally closed. Mr. Grote and I frequented " the show " whenever he could spare an hour or two for idling; he always "making" for the scientific section of the Exhibition, — instruments, meteorology, maps, models of machines, printing inventions and the like — but seldom failing to spend a part of the afternoon in listening to the military music provided for the visitors. Our hospitalities went on as heretofore, in a moderate s 2 2G0 PERSONAL LIFE OP GEORGE GROTE. Chap. XXXI. fasliion, many foreign acquaintances coming over for the Exhibition, to whom we desired to show attention. My own health fell into a very feeble condition, however, owing to the severity of the spring months, which engendered serious mischief in the region of the chest. I was, there- fore, glad to seek the repose of my country residence at the end of June, in the hope of recovering from the effects of an obstinate cough. Impossible to describe the disappointment of this worst of all summers in respect to weather ! No sun, no warmth, no salubrious influences, no fruit ; but rain, dark skies, and chilling blasts were our portion. Grrote came to Barrow Green in July, a good deal below par in point of health, as it was usual with him to be about this season, and he suffered more than once from a feverish cold. In September a few guests came to Barrow Green ; among the number were Professor Jowett, Mr. Eobert Lowe, and Dr. William Smith. Excellent " scholar talk " went on (especially about Plato, with Mr. Jowett) ; and the Historian appeared to enjoy the double pleasure of walking and discussing various subjects of interest with these learned friends. After this we went again to Bo wood, for several days ; the weather rather less miserable whilst there, so that we had some delightful walks in that princely demesne. Lord Lansdowne in good health and spirits, though somewhat more infirm in his walk, me- thought, than heretofore. Whilst we were at Bowood I talked one day with the Marquis at some length upon the political condition of the Continent. He entertained very gloomy anticipations on the subject, and I recollect his say- ing, with a mournful expression of voice and manner, these words : " I cannot myself look forward to living to see these events unfold themselves, but I confess to you, Mrs. G., that it adds to the regret I shall feel at quitting the scene to know that Europe will shortly be in flames." Yet this wise and humane statesman could hardly have predicted the twofold conflagration (of 1866 and 1870) which raged within a very few years of his death. 1862. GROTE ON BISHOP COLENSO 261 In October we went to the Farm at Long Bennington, passing the greater part of five days within doors, the stormy- weather giving us no respite.* After our " excursions," we settled down at Barrow Green for the final months of this year, receiving company at intervals. Mr. John Mill and Miss Taylor and Dr. William Smith came at Christmas, and the three scholars turned the occasion to rare profit; indeed for a long time I had not listened to more interesting talk. The autumn months proved, luckily, more favourable to health and to outdoor exercise than the summer had been, and this circumstance served to reinforce Grote's general powers. I find three letters which will be read with interest, all belonging to the present date : — George Geote to G. C. Lewis, 12, Savile I!ow, 6th Nov. 1862. I send you herewith a letter and pamj)hlet which was forwarded to me by an unknown correspondent. I read the pamjjblct with much interest, and think you will be pleased with it also. Mr. L'ving is right in saying that his narrative illustrates very forcibly the myth-creating propensities of the human mind. I jwesume that the evidence, tending to refute the story of the drowning, was not within the reach of Macaulay. I suj)pose you have read Colenso's book. It is certainly singular to see a bishop apj)lying the historical principles of Sir George Lewis to the narrative of the Old Testament. I have little doubt that what the Bishoi) says is true, viz., that these principles and this critical point of view are quite new to him, and that he at first, and for many years, read and believed this narrative, without any thought of trying it by an historical test. Among the most interesting parts of the book are the extracts given from the orthodox expositors : the artifices by which they slur over or blot out contradictions. * The Queen was unable to get across the Channel just about this period, passing a whole week at Brussels, wcatlier bound ! She accomplished the voyage at last, however, on the night of the 25th October. 262 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chaf. XXXI. I am told that Longman printed originally 2000 copies of Colenso's book, and that he already Las orders for seven thousand. The ' English Churchman ' (newspaper) affii'ms positively, " that the Bishop will be brought to trial, though the work has been con- sideraily altered since it was shown for prirate circulation before the actual publication." This fact, of alteration or softening of the rationalistic spirit, is a curious revelation, which we owe to an opponent. George Grote to G. C. Lewis. Baueow Green, Oxted, Surrey, 29th Dec. 1862, I quite agree in the remarks contained in your last note about the unreasonable and insane language of the Americans against England. The perfect neutrality of England, in this desti'uctive civil war now raging in America, appears to me almost a phenomenon in political history. No such forbearance has been shown during the political history of the last two centuries. It is the single case in which the English Government and public, generally so over-meddlesome, have displayed most prudent and commendable forbearance, in spite of great temptations to the contrary. And the way in which the Northern Americans have requited such forbearance is alike silly and disgusting. I never expected to have lived to think of them so unfavourably as I do at present. Amidst their very diffi- cult present circumstances, they have manifested little or nothing of those qualities which inspire sympathy and esteem, and very much of all the contrary qualities ; and among the worst of all their manifestations is their appetite for throwing the blame of their misfortunes on guiltless England. Your Egyptological pamphlet is a very ingeniousycM d'esprit, and the general observations contained in the first pages of it are very instructive : the citations which you give out of Niebuhr are curi- ous. In regard to your application of the process of investigation adopted by Egyptologists to modern events of the last two centu- ries, I suppose the Egyptologists would not admit the analogy of the two cases. You may recollect that Whately (a few years ago) published a book called ' Historical Doubts about Napoleon Buonaparte,' the purpose of which was to show that those who called iu question the Testament narrative, with its miracles and prophecies, ought upon the same principles to doubt the whole 18G2. GEOTE ON ASSYRIAN HISTORY. 263 history of Napoleon. This Essay of WLately is considered by some persons as a telling attack against religious sceptics ; for my part, I consider it a failure, because I do not admit the analogy between the cases. I presume that the Egyptologists would com- plain of the like want of analogy in regard to the bearing of your pamphlet : I should not agree with them, for I think there is ana- logy, but that would probably be their view. Ever since that Essay of Whately was published, I have thought that these applications to presumed analogical cases did not prove much ; the analogy itself being one of the points in dispute, and requiring to be established upon good and sufficient evidence. R * * * * 's views ujjon Assyrian history, to which you allude in your last letter, are really so fanciful and gratuitous, that it is irksome to criticise them. The grounds of belief are so different with different men, and in reference to different subjects, that one cannot answer for the aberrations even of very accomplished scholars. The very minimum of presumptive ground appears to these gentlemen enough to warrant both the j)ositive aflfii-mation of a matter, as historical, and the demand which they make upon op- ponents to produce counter-evidence and disprove it. Geoege Grote to John Stuaet Mill. Barrow Green, December, 18G2. I am very glad to hear of you as returned to England, after your long absence. I trust that your excm-sion in the East will have proved not only interesting and instructive to yourself, but also strengthening to Miss Taylor's health. I am still working hard at Plato and the viri Socratici : I have got my work into a state which loolcs lihe being comiDlete — yet is still far from the reality. It will be an additional incentive to my industry now that I learn your obliging intention to review the book in 'Edinburgh Review.' That will be a genuine service to the work, as well as a compliment to myself. Such a work cannot expect many readers — as for ai)j)roving readers, they will bo few indeed. I thank you for bringing the drawings from Mr. Finlay. The excavations recently made at Athens are said to have been very productive, and I shall be extremely glad to sec a full account of them. I know only about the theatre of Dionysus, excavated south of the Acropolis, and the magisterial chairs of state discovered 264 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. XXXT. thereio. But I doubt not that there is much of which I have not heard. * * * « The letter which is next inserted closes the correspondence so long maintained between the two learned friends : and because it is the last, and not from any particular interest attached to its contents, the letter will be read with pleasure. Geoege Grote to G. C. Lewis. 12, Savile Row, 12th Jan. 1863. I perfectly agree in all that you say about the rash and incon- clusive method of the Egyptologists and Assyriologists, in trying to elicit from inscriptions the history of unrecorded ages. The analogy between the application which they make of these conjec- tural hypotheses and the ajiplication which you make of the like hypotheses to periods mcjdern and better known, is a good and sufficient analogy. As an illustration — for which you give it — your Egyptological pamphlet is very pertinent. I wish I could think that it would be successful in repressing the German license of conjecture. The proceedings in the United States are to me something incom- prehensible — chiefly in regard to matters of finance. The Federals have already borrowed an enormous sum, and talk confidently of borrowing a sum still more enormous, without having yet raised a shilling to pay the interest. And yet the price of this large and unsecured amount of stock A'eej^s up high in the market! This seems to me a contradiction to all reasonable anticipations. As to the fighting, 1 fear that is likely to go on for a long time to come. I saw John Stuart Mill down at Barrow Green last week. He is in good health and spirits; violent against the South in this American struggle ; embracing heartily the extreme Abolitionist views, and thinking about little else in regard to the general question. 1863. BARROW GREEN GIVEN UR. 2(35 CHAPTEK XXXIL 1863. We remained at Barrow Green from the 1st of January until June ; that is to say, the " head-quarters " continued there. Mr. Grote went up for his various administrative duties as occasion required, staying in Savile Row two or three days at a time. A good number of guests came to us during the first three months of this year, and at Easter the old " Barrack " was positively filled with company. Our resolution was taken, in March, to break up the Barrow Green establishment, and to seek another rural retreat combining the qualities or attributes now become indispensable to our wants. After Grote had accepted the three onerous offices, which I have noted in a foregoing chapter, it became inconvenient to reside at a country house situated five miles from a railway station, and that on a small branch line, where no conveyances for hire were forthcoming of any sort; more- over, a line ending at London Bridge. The fatigue and loss of valuable time which it cost to my husband to perform the frequent journeys to Caterham and back, and from London Bridge to Savile Eow, came to be regarded as intolerable after traversing the winter of 1862-1863. It must be added that he felt less disposed to entertain company in his own house, after entering upon the labours of administrative duty, than before. The leisure which remained to him he now desired to consecrate to Greek Philosophy, and thus we agreed upon taking the course above-mentioned ; giving notice to our landlord, Mr. Master, of our intention to quit Barrow Green at 266 PEESONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. XXXII. Midsummer. It was not without a dash of regret indeed, that we came to this determination, for the place had its attractions ; and besides, the habit of exchanging hospitalities with our excellent kinsfolk, Admiral Warde and his family, of Squerryes in Kent, had formed a pleasant element in our social life for four years past. The death of Sir George Lewis, in April of this year, caused to all his friends the truest concern, but on the Historian the blow fell with peculiar severity. His sorrow was indeed poignant, for the void left in his personal sympathies and familiar commerce of thought by his beloved friend's loss, was irreparable.* George now exerted himself actively, conjointly with Sir Edmund Head, Mr. Lowe, and Dr. William Smith, in pro- curing subscriptions to cover the cost of a marble bust of Lewis, to be executed by Weekes. Later on, he seemed to experience a melancholy consolation in superintending, along with myself, its preparation at the sculptor's studio. The bust (a strong likeness, by the way,) was in due season transferred to the British " Walhalla," Westminster Abbey. To his latest hour the memory of Lewis was cherished by Grote with undying affection and regret. As affording the prospect of relief to the tone of our spirits at this season, I prevailed upon the Historian — not without expending my best powers on this object — to accept an invitation from the Professor of Ecclesiastical History at Oxford. Although Grote .never acceded to a proposal in- volving social exertion without a certain amount of re- luctance, I felt persuaded that Oxford would just suit him at this moment, and supply a stimulus to his thoughts of the most salutary kind. * Mr. Grote oflfered to go down to Harpton Court to attend the fimeral of Sir George Lewis, but this offer (which was only prompted by deep respect, and would have been a cruel trial to his feelings, if accepted) was most considerately declined by Sir Gilbert Lewis. 1863. VISIT TO OXFORD. 267 No calculation ever proved better founded; for the few days we spent in Christchurcli during tlie month of May, 1863, really may be counted among the happiest and most memorable of any that it was permitted to us to enjoy during the remainder of his life. The Dean of St. Paul's and Mrs. Milman were our fellow- guests at Arthur P. Stanley's : Miss Mary Stanley, his sister, doing the honours of the house.* A group of Scholars, including some of the Professors, gathered round the hospitable Canon's board daily ; a few of the dignitaries (the worthy Dean of Christchurch included), with their ladies, also came. The Professor of Greek, Mr. Jowett, entertained us at Balliol College, at a breakfast, where we had a select company of Oxford men of various grades, all brimful of curiosity to meet " the Historian of Gi'eece " in private society. Then, long visits to the Bodleian, and to the^Musenm of Natural History ; walks among the beautiful College Gardens, Christchurch Cathedral, the ancient Halls, the libraries, the local curiosities, traditions : ah ! where shall one find such diversified objects of intelligent interest as present themselves at every step in this hallowed sanc- tuary of Learning, Oxford University ? In the evening, there would mingle with the elegant throng at Canon Stanley's a choice batch of "youngsters," animated by the prospect of beholding their favourite author "in propria persona." Indeed the rooms, spacious and nu- merous, were half filled with these scions of English families : some destined to become one day our rulers, many more to aid in the diifusion of science and letters among their fellows. It was, in truth, " young England," seen under its most im- pressive conditions. They clustered round Grote with eagerness, blending the * Mrs. Stanley had, to the profouud grief of all her friends, myself amoug the number, been taken from them by death early iu 1862. 2G8 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. XXXII. freedom of youth with their respectful homage, — even " elbowing " one another in order to get close to him and catch every word that dropped from his lips ; while he? resting his person against the arm of a large chair (not liking to sit down in presence of so many standing round) discoursed familiarly with those nearest to him on the subjects most inte- resting to their common tastes — classic lore, of course, the foremost topic. Seated in a distant part of the room, I observed the passing scene with an inward pride and satisfaction which need hardly be described, so readily will the reader enter into my feelings on this occasion. Some of the gentlemen of the tutorial class came aud talked with me, and from them I acquired an in- sight into the change operated in the minds of the actual generation by the ' History of Greece.' " Grote and Mill may be said to have revived the study of the two master sciences — History aud IVIental Philosophy — among the Oxford undergraduates. A new current of ideas ; new and original modes of interpreting the past ; the light of fresh learning cast upon the peoples of antiquity: such are the impulses given by those two great teachers, that our youths are completely kindled to enthusiasm towards both at the present time." Thus did more than one serious-minded interlocutor express himself, and in full sincerity, too, whilst we remained at Oxford. On retiring for the night, I observed that George seemed fatigued with the expenditure of physical and emotional force which accompanied each of the busy days of our visit to Dr. Stanley. He took unusual interest in everything connected with the place, which indeed had, for his eyes, the flavour of novelty ; but the crowning charm of this Oxford passage was the assurance he there acquired of his having awakened the up-coming generation to an ardent zeal for the pursuits nearest his own heart. The genuine marks of ad- miration shown him left little doubt in Grote's mind of the permanence of his influence as a scholar and historical teacher. 1863. JOURNEY TO SWITZERLAND. 269 and this persuasion he more than once referred to as havin"- arisen at Oxford in ] 863, with peculiar emphasis. We had a farewell party at Barrow Green in the month of June, after which our library and personal chattels were removed by repeated van-loads to Savile Eow, whilst I made the best arrangements within my power for lodging our now spare horses and vehicles and servants in the vicinity, pending another " move." And now July was drawing to an end when, at my breakfast one morning, I " gave notice " to George (who sat by my side, as usual) of my intention '*to make a journey to Chamounix." After a pause, indicative of astonishment, he said, " And pray, when do you think of set- ting forth ?" — " About the final days of this month." Another pause. " Well, then, I shall be able to join you towards the middle of August, somewhere in Switzerland." Agreed. I made my way to Geneva ; and although the intense heat of that summer, especially in Geneva, well-nigh deprived me (as it seemed to do every one not a native, indeed) of all physical strength, I did compass Chamounix, with a sight of the Mont Blanc and its neighbouring scenery. At Neufchatel the Historian duly appeared on 17th August, true to the " rendezvous ; " but he, too, had felt the heat so overpowering, that an extra day's rest at Dijon was found to be a prudential measure on his part " en route." We re- mained at Neufchatel some days, and then, crossing the lake, we drove in a carriage to Fribourg. The weather now changed to windy and disagreeable conditions, which some- what marred the enjoyment of our holiday. However, tlie excitement just then prevailing among the scientific world, on the subject of lacustrine habitations, acted upon Grote's curiosity and induced him to go on from Berne to Zurich, in which city a tolerably comprehensive collection had been formed, illustrative of these dwellings in remote times amid the waters of certain inland seas. We spent two or three days in visiting these depositories of the past, and in making some excursions in the environs in a light carriage. 270 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. XXXH. Eeturning homewards, we deviated into Baden, passing a couple of days at Baden Baden, wliicli place Grote had wished to see, on hearing my report of the exceeding beauty of its situation. We next made a detour for the express purpose of visiting the Chateau de Cirey, dear to us both as the residence, a century ago, of Voltaire and JMadame du Chatelet. But in this pious pilgrimage we were defeated by the difficulty of obtaining any manner of conveyance to Cirey. We got within sixteen English miles of it, at Joinville (in the Haute Marne), from which pleasant village we could find neither cart nor carriage for " love or money " during our stay. So we travelled on to Paris, where we had not been, together, for many years. The striking appearance of the new crea- tions of the Empire — buildings and gardens and public monuments — made, naturally, a great impression on two people coming so recently from " dowdy London." We went more than once to the theatre, Grote always taking pleasure in the " Comedie Fran false " before all, where his ear was regaled \\ ith the delivery of the older French dramatists by the choice " troupe " attached to that society. He enjoyed at all times listening to well-spoken, pure French, though the actors' elocution pleased him most; probably because oi their speaking literary French. We left Paris at the end of a week's stay, and reached London on 18th September, after a safe journey via Boulogne. The autumn months we passed in London, only leaving it to pay the customary visit to Tedworth. Lord Broughton still active, and able to ride to hounds, but altered since our last visit. I went to spend a few days with M. and Mrs. de Salis, in Wiltshire, alone ; whilst the Historian prosecuted his habitual labours throuo^h the winter. 1864. ELECTED MEMBER OF FRENCH INSTITUTE. 271 CHAPTEE XXXIII. 1864-1865. The first incident which it is incumbent upon me to note among the events of this year, is, the honour conferred on the Historian of Greece " by the Institute of France, in electing him a " Foreign Member," in the place of Lord Macaulay. He received the official notice of this higher position in the " Academic," with much satisfaction ; for indeed the compli- ment ranks among the most valuable which the world of letters has to bestow. On this occasion a French acquaintance addressed to the new member a congi-atulatory letter (in English), as under : — The Count Adolphe de Ciucourt to Geobge Grotb. La Celle de St. Cloud, Ftbruary 2,2nd, 1864. My dear Sir, — I have learnt with infinite pleasure that our Institute Las bestowed upon you the highest reward at its disposal, the richest gem in its gift. These places are so few, and the competition for them among the loftiest spirits and oldest reputations of both worlds is so great, that no distinction of the same kind offered to a Frenchman can be compared with that of becoming an " Associe Etrangcr." Assuredly no person was more worthy of such an honour, and more fit to sit in so brilliant company — " Se ch' io fui scsto fra cotanto st nno." The muster-roll of the " Associes li^trangers " of our Institute is probably the highest and fullest representation of the genius and learning of the age. I hope that your health and good spirits do bring you steadily through your new undertaking, and that a history of the i)hilosophy of Greece may soon appear — the crowning work of the occupation 272 PEESONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. XXXIII. of your life. Indeed, among tbe many benefits wliicli our modem nations owe to tlie ancient cities of Greece, none, perhaps, is so important as tlie first conception, elaboration, and diffusion of philosophical views and conclusions, by the labour of their sages — " Adjecere bonae paulo plus artis Athenao." Perhaps, not even in the sphere of art and poetry, are we so deeply, so directly, indebted to our Grecian masters. You, who have given so vivid and comi^lete a picture of their political life, are well entitled to show them as they were in the " Sapicntum Tempi is "— not always, is it true, " serenis," but always built upon the " high places." * * « ♦ I do remain, my dear Sir, Very sincerely yours. As a supplement to the foregoing document, I am tempted to reproduce a note from a friend of forty years' standing : — 2mi Fdruary, 1864. My dear Grote, — No amount of business can prevent me from saying how much pleasure it has given me to hear that you have been elected a member of the French Academy (des Sciences Morales et Politiques). Our old and long-continued friendship entitles me to express to you how much pleasure this event has given me. I consider it a very high honour ; and the compliment is as creditable to the Institute itself as it is honourable to you. Accept the very sincere congratulations of your old and attached friend John Romilly. The first half of this year in London ; hospitalities some- what enlarged, for I find entries in Diary of repeated " dinners " in Savile Row. As the spring advanced, I began to make excursions in various directions for the purpose of finding a country-house to suit us. Much vahiable time was consumed by these tiresome, solitary journeys, but there was no help for it, and I toiled on. At last I discovered a small house, with a few acres of heath-land, near Albury Park in Surrey ; I " fancied " the situation, and Mr. Grote, on seeing the place, felt similarly disposed in its favour. So we treated with the parties for the purchase of this little property and entered into possession about Midsummer. Shortly after, 1864-1865. "MAKMOR HOMERICUM," 273 placing our servants in " the Ridgeway " (as I intended to call our new abode), we made a trip to Paris, expres.-ly to settle with the sculptor, M. le Baron de Triqueti, the com- position of a work in a new style of art called Tarsia, which we had consented to order, as a memorial of Mr. Grote's early connection with University College. Three weeks were devoted to tliis object, going to the atelier frequently and discussing tlie arrangement of the subjects, all of which were to be taken from the Homeric Poems. The remainder of the year is soon accounted for, as follows. After a week's visit to Long Bennington in September, we returned to London : Mr. Grote going direct thither, and I taking Araptliill Park, Lord Wensleydale's, " en route," for a few days' visit. During the last three months of the year, which were passed at Ridgeway, the Plato was going through the press under the author's careful supervision, and by the end of December half of the work was in print. And so 18(J4 closed upon us whilst leading a quiet country existence among our books ; invaded now and then by es- teemed guests, for we had enlarged the house so as to enable us to lodge and entertain a small number at the Kidgeway. February, 1865. — I find the following entry in my Diary : — The second volume of Plato is completely printed, and I begin to cherish a hope that the whole three volumes will be ready for publication early in the spring. Mr. Grote has worked steadily at this all the winter, contributing new matter as occasion seemed to demand. * * * * We went to Ted worth on 11th February for a few days. Lord Broughton in tolerably good health, though sensibly aged by the sufferings he underwent recently from inveterate sciatica. As he can neither ride nor walk nor play at billiards now, his existence is rendered monotonous, and in some sort tedious ; but he preserves his interest in letters, and reads a great deal, and also writes. Diary again — March \bih. — The third volume of Plato is well advanced. T 274 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. XXXIIL John Mill Bays it has exceeded his expectations indeed, high as they were. Diary continued — April ^Ist.- — The " Marmor Homericum " is completed. M. de Triqueti appears to be satisfied with his work, and expects it will arrive in London about the 1st May, at University College. Mr. Grote has been busy framing a short descriptive paper, to be put into the hands of the visitors to the " Tarsia " when ready. May 19th. — The " Marmor Homericum" has been placed in posi- tion, in the cloisters of University College, and a numerous company graced the opening view. The work excited admiration both cordial and discriminating ; among the visitors was the President of the Royal Academy, than whom no more consummate judge of art could be named, and he paid M. de Triqueti the compliment of saying that, " among modern artists, he alone combined a know- ledge of composition and drawing, with pure sculptiire." The three bulky tomes of which such frequent mention has been made, came forth in the spring of this year. Of this monument of learned industry it is beyond my humble province to discourse. It will be more fitly set forth here- after by one who is qualified, by his own attainments and the intercourse he enjoyed with the author during a long series of years, to place this work where it deserves to stand in the Platonic series. The following passages are contained in a letter to John Stuart Mill, dated June, 1865. That which concludes the ex- tract is characteristic of Grote's amiability in controversial matters, and of his sympathy with a fellow-workman, though an opponent : — » in * * It is very gratifying to me that you declare my " Criticism on the Republic " to be the most striking part of the whole work since the Republic is decidedly the chef-d'oeuvre of the Author himself. I was at once most anxious to handle it well, and most doubtful whether I could succeed in doing so ; — the rather as I was forced to select a few priccipal topics to criticise amidst an almost infinite multitude, leaving out the rest. Altogether, your impression about the book is as favoiirable as I could have ventured 1865. PUBLICATION OF THE 'PLATO.' 275 to hope ; and I shall rejoice if the materials contained in it are found sufficient to supply you with a basis for " the intelligible outline of Plato's intellectual figure," which you promise for your Review. Since your departure, and since the complete printing of my Plato, I have lost no time in reading your volume on Sir William Hamilton : it has completely answered my expectations, and that is saying as much of it as I can say. It is full of valuable ex- pansions of the doctrines more briefly adumbrated in your Logic, and of contributions to the most obscure and recondite expositions of Psychological Science » * * » I am certainly very glad that poor Sir W. H. did not live to read such a crushing refutation. It is really so terrible, that I shall be almost pleased if either Mansel or T. S. Baynes are able, on any particular points, to weaken the force of it, and make something of a defence. The record of this, and I am afi-aid I must add, of the succeeding two years, will be less full than that of many previous ones which have passed under my hand. For the lamentable breakdown in my own health, which began in the spring of 1865, suspended the ordinary course of our common life, besides disqualifying me from keeping the customary memoranda so indispensable to biography. When the month of June arrived, tlie medical adviser was so peremptory in his advice that I should repair to Baden Baden, that Mr. Grote accordingly conducted me tliither about the 15th of July, remaining with me there some weeks, and then passing into the salubrious region of the Vosges for another ten days, as a supplement to the Baden course of baths. We returned to England in September, and we paid a short visit to Lord and Lady Bel[)er, late in October. ] went for a few days to Lord Amberley's, at Ilodborougli : but I found my strength wliolly unequal to the fatigue of moving about, and therefore stayed at the Ridgeway quietly, up to the close of the year ; Mr. Grote pursuing his wonted T 2 276 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. XXXIIL round of public duty, and dividing his presence between Savile Eow and his country house. I must here endeavour to give what particuhxrs I can afford of the Historian's pro- ceedings, scanty though they be. The work upon 'Plato and the other Companions of Sokrates' was well received by the learned class who occupy themselves with the study of Greek philosophy. Mr. Grote himself experienced a somewliat lively satisfac- tion with the impression made by these three bulky tomes, whilst their sale came to exceed the expectations of our publisher. Very few letters remain of this year ; but I find one from J. S. Mill, (dated Mont Dore les Bains, June 1865), which will be read with interest in connection with the one on the preceding page. After alluding to the " Leges," Mill continues : — The two concluding chapters, on the other hand, are equal in interest to almost anything in the work, especially the account of the Megarics, Kyrenaics, &c., of whom I previously knew very little. I hope to be able to make a useful article on the book ; but when I spoke of giving an intellectual outline of Plato from your materials, I meant from your thoughts : not that I had attained any higher point of view than yours, hut that I hoped to reproduce yours in a condensed form. I hope you have seen Mark Pattison's review of you in the ' Reader ' ? He contests the question of the Platonic canon with you, or rather, promises to contest it. * * * * I was pleased, however, to find him so eulogistic of the book in every other respect. He had just before written a review of my ' Hamil- ton,' in which he equally surprised me by the extent of his adhesion. How valuable to me is your approbation of the ' Hamilton,' I- need not say. The opinion you express of it conies up to my highest hopes. * * * * I am writing to you from a beauti- ful place, in the heart of a valley, which is an old " crater," sur- moimted by summits between 6000 and 7000 feet above the sea level. * * * * We have enjoyed our tour very much, and have not been indulged with a single rainy day on which to get on with Plato ! 1865. COMMENCES THE ' ARISTOTLE.' 277 No sooner had the Plato been completed, and the printing begun (viz. in Sept. 1864), than the author " set the loom " afresli for his Aristotle. Scarcely permitting himself breath, as it were, he applied his spare hours to the preparation of the tliird part of what he used to call " my Trilogy."* A friend t said to me one day, at Ridgeway, on learning this fact, — " G-rote's intellectual course always seems to me to resemble the progress of a planet through the firmament : never halting, never deviating from its onward path, steadfast to its appointed purpose ; it quite impresses one with wonder !" And it v\ as thus that he worked on as heretofore, and {jperhaps sustained in his labours by the augmenting reputation he was aware attended them) he never flagged in the enjoyment of his books, or of philosophical talk — when this could be had, that is to say. I should note, in connection with this period, the rising importance of the University of London. Most persons ac- quainted with the influence of that body upon the education of the middle class, ascribed its increase in great part to the new Vice-Chancellor's ascendency in its direction. Be this as it may, it is certain that the zealous and unremitting attention he now bestowed upon the system of examina- tion in the University counted for a vast deal in attracting the public confidence in its proceedings. The demand which arose outside the establishment for more suitable lodgings, attested the growth of this insti- tution in a way which the Liberal Government (and, it must be added, the Government of Lord Derby and his colleagues likewise,) recognised as imperative. Each year that now rolled over seemed to add credit to the administration of the Senate and Convocation, working in harmony, on the * See Preface to Vol. XI, of 'History,' published iu 1853, wherein the three great subjects are regarded as closely connected in the author's mind and purpose. t Mr. Charles Newton. 278 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. XXXIII. vvliole ; and this, greatly owing, the Vice-Chancellor used to declare, to the judicious management of the Chairman of Convocation, Dr. Storrar. When the Government decided on erecting a commodious building wherein to carry on the duties of the University of London, it produced a marked effect in quickening the sympathies of the public in the establishment, whilst the labours of the administration became at once more arduous and more interesting. The letters written at the end of this year are mostly of a critical and learned character; but a passage in one of them may be suitably quoted here, in illustration of the permanent impression Grote's mind bore of his early master in phi- losophy, James Mill. George was, at the time of writing this letter, absorbed in the composition of an article for the ' Westminster Eeview,' oh John S. Mill's book upon Sir William Hamilton. * [The letter is so full of metaphysics that I withhold the first portions of it.] After saying all he wanted, in reference to this book and subject generally, he concludes thus : — " I am glad to get an opportunity, also, of saying what I think about your ' System of Logic ' and ' Essay on Liberty ; ' but I am still more glad to get (or perhaps to make) an opportimity of say- ing something about your father. It has always rankled in my thoughts, that so grand and powerful a mind as his left behind it such insufficient traces in the estimation of successors." — November 20, 1865. The year came tranquilly to an end with us at " the Kidge- way." Grote's health had been uniformly good, whilst my own became somewhat improved during the autumn, although it was far from being restored to its wonted level. This review appeared m the January number for 1866. 1866. UNIVERSITY COLLEGE. 279 CHAPTER XXXIV. 1866. Whilst affairs were going so well with the University of London, it was not all fair weather at University Col- lege, where indeed a storm was brewing : as thus. The chair of Logic became vacant, after a lapse of thirty years and more, during which period its occupant, the Eev. Dr. Hoppus, had suffered the class attending his lectures to dwindle down to a very small number of students. In truth, the subject seemed to be dying out in that college. When, therefore, Dr. Hoppus's resignation was announced, the Historian felt undissembled satisfaction, for he now looked forward to some more able professor being appointed, to instruct the youths in his own favourite science of mental philosophy. Enquiries were set on foot in many quarters, and not a few individuals made known their qualifications for the chair during the summer of 1866. But the Dissenters saw an opening for introducing another of their important body into the position of teacher of Philosophy, and, with infinite address, brought out their "great gun," in the person of the Eev. James Martineau. When Grote learned this fact, he was almost dismayed ; well aware of the power exercised in the institution — now as heretofore — by the Unitarian section of the proprietary, he foresaw a collision between that party and those members of the council who were attached to the principles of University College in their strict purity. " To have endured Hoppus for a quarter of a century, was bad enough, but, when a ray of light was about to break upon that benighted cliair, to be threatened with an eminent tlieologian, with an 280. PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. XXXIV. Unitarian minister !" It was overpowering, for the moment. The effect could only be compared to that made upon the mind of " Christian," when he beheld the figure of Apollyon '* bestraddling the pathway. " Grote, however, felt, along witli that excellent person in the allegory of Bunyan, nowise disposed " to give it up," and, again like Christian, " felt for his sword." Not a weapon of steel, certes, but the instrument of the age in which he excelled, namely, persuasive speech. He also wrote, indeed, vast quan- tities of matter on the subject, which exhausted all that could be said on the side he defended ; but his friends (and I added my influence to theirs on the occasion) prevailed on George to leave the Press to his opponents. 1 remember that we were staying at Earl Stanhope's in the autumn of this year, and that my husband devoted two entire mornings to the composition of a "Pleading" about this disputed nomination.. He reluctantly consented to his paper being withheld, but afterwards frankly recognised the wisdom of the course recommended. The partisans of Mr. IVIartineau worked the organs of the daily and weekly press lustily, and the controversy became at once bitter and noisy. My readers will, I hope, excuse my not favouring them with a more detailed history of the conflict in the council, from my own sources, and accept a tolerably impartial, if prosy, summary of the affair, copied from a daily newspaper of the period. The view taken is very much of the kind which one is said to gather from " the man in the omnibus ;" that sure exponent of public opinion, to quote our friend Sutton Sharpe's humorous dictum, uttered some thirty years since. The friends of secular education have recently been much dis- tressed at a most imseemly controversy, which has arisen out of certain late transactions in University College, London. The chair of Mental Philosophy and Logic in that institution became vacant a few months since, by the resignation of Doctor Hojipus, and in due course the Council of the College advertised for a suc- cessor. Among the candidates for the office Avas the celebrated 1866. CHAIR OF LOGIC. 281 Unitarian minister, the Rev. James Martineau, who, in addition to his great reputation as a pulpit orator, bears a high character as a metaphysical writer and thinker. * * * * ]^jr. Martineau's testimonials were considered by the professorial body— the Senate of the College — greatly superior to those of any of his com- petitors, and he went before the Council (in which resided the power and responsibility of choosing the professors) with the advantage of a unanimous recommendation from the Senate. It occasioned some surprise when it became generally known that the Council had rejected Mr. Martineau, and without assigning any reason for so doing. In fact it is probable that, besides that such a course would have been unusual and not very dignified, it would have been difficiilt to assign any single reason in which all those who objected to Mr. Martineau's election could have honestly united. However this may be, as soon as the fact of the rejection was made public, a cry was raised by some Liberals against the Council of University College. The gentlemen composing that body were accused in no measured language of illiberality, moral cowardice, " second-hand bigotry," and so forth. Mr. Grote and others, whose names stand high in public estimation, were branded as having rejected, through a contemptible and craven terror of the sneers of the religious world, the best man that could be found for the position, and having thus abandoned all the advantages of secular education. At the same time, Mr. Martineau was extolled in language so hyperbolical, as only to be excused by its being evi- dently prompted by warm and somewhat untempered admiration for an able and estimable man. * * * * Meanwhile, we, being champions of neither party, but only sincere friends of the institution whose interests are likely to be compromised, may be allowed to consider the case briefly from a critical point of view » * * * Y^Q have previously acknowledged Mr. Martineau's claims in point of attainments and capacity, but we may fairly ask the question, whether his tenure of the professorship of Mind and Logic would not repel some large classes from the halls of Uni- versity College. The very principle of secularism would be com- promised, some have not imfairly urged, by the fact that so important a Chair as that now vacant should be filled by a professor holding at the same time a theological professorship in a Unitarian College, and discharging the duties of a prominent religious leader. Those who held this view voted for the rejection of Mr. Mar- tineau, not because he was a Unitarian, but because ho was a dis- 282 PERSONAL LIFP: of GEORGE GROTE. Chap. XXXIV. tinguished professional theologian. * * * * It is only just, urges the distinguished thinker to whom we have referred, that to the great school which treads in the steps and develops the theories of Locke, one position of authority should be conceded. Doubt- less this view had its weight with the Council of University Col- lege. In fact, we believe Mr. Martineau's election was advocated only by the Unitarian members of the Coimcil, — swayed, no doubt, by private friendship, — and not even by these, unanimously. * * * On a general view of the controversy, we are disposed to think that the assailants of the Council have failed to make out their case, and have pelted honourable men with very hard words without a sufficient reason. In October, I persuaded Mr. Grote to take a trip of a few days to Portsmouth, by way of diversion to his thoughts. We had the advantage of Mr. W. M. James's company on this occasion, and all of us were interested with the sight of the wonderful Ironclads in the harbour and naval yards. The whole of November and part of December were con- sumed by the foregoing wearisome controversy, originating in that which the late Dr. Chalmers would have called "a flagrant attack upon a fundamental principle." The year closed in upon us serenely, however ; and Grote appeared right glad when the time came for resuming closet studies and interests. I give two extracts from letters having reference to the University College contest, by way of concluding the record of 1866. December 13, 1866. Upon this point the mortal struggle turned : more than one of our friends had been induced to give way thus far, by strong pressure brought to bear on them. I, for my part, expected that we should be beaten : and we only escaped adjom-nment by the casting vote of Belper. After that, Kobertson was appointed, by a majority of 8 against 6. This decision has been the means of preserving the Chair from being suppressed. If the appointment had been deferred for another month, we should have had incessant agitation during the interval, and the matter would infallibly have ended in a compromise, suppressing the Chair outright. 1866. CHAIR OF LOGIC. 283 Several of our members are indifferent to the topic, and would have accepted the abolition, as the only way of preventing animosity. * * * * J jjave gone through nearly as much anxiety of mind as I did when Bain's appointment was lying iv yovamv of Sir George Lewis. If Robertson proves worthy and effective (as everything leads me to hope), the gain for inductive and scientific mental philosophy will be most important. Throughout this vexatious conflict, I have felt the inexpres- sible value of having such colleagues as Belper, Eyan, Booth, &c., when one has to face difficulties and unscrupulous opponents. I am sorry to say that the younger generation — even those trained in University College and the University of London — appear to me to be of a cast essentially feebler and more prejudiced. It is melancholy to observe this, when one has been labouring to improve education. Those minds, which were formed here in the struggle between 1820 and 1832, are decidedly more lofty, effective, and strenuous than those which have been formed since. At least I think so. Yours ever truly, G. G. In reply to the foregoing letter, Mill writes : — I am much obliged to you for giving me the history of the struggle. * * * * Those who exerted themselves to get the Chair suppressed, because their candidate was rejected, have entirely given their measure by it, and a very wretched one it is. * * * * After adding some observations in the same strain, Mill notices the concluding sentiment of the Historian's letter as under : — We must not forget that your experience and mine, of the older set, includes the very best of them ; those who were formed under the Benthamic influence. There was, in general, Kimmcrian darkness then, beyond the region to which that influence, directly or indirectly, extended. At the risk of wearying the reader by jDrolonging this episode, I vvill venture to add one extract from the inevitable "Diary," attesting the importance of the object for which 284 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. XXXIV. all this expenditure of time and personal trouble was incurred : — " Had the chair fallen to the Unitarian teacher, I feel persuaded that the interest which, for nearly forty years, Mr. Grote has felt in the prosperity and the purposes of the College, would infallibly have received a check of a painfid kind, and thus probably indisposed him to remain a member of its Council." — Diary, 20th December, 1866. Perhaps I ought, properly, to allude here to the election, in 1866, of a Lord Rector by the University of Aberdeen. Mr. Grote was proposed for that honour, and supported by the younger portion of the members. The voting gave an equal number for Grote and for Mr. Grant Duff, M.P., when the Duke of Richmond deciding by his casting vote in favour of the latter candidate, he was elected Lord Rector. Neither Grote nor myself felt any regret at this result : the duties which miglit have been demanded of him were neither weighty nor fatiguing in character, but winter journeys would have been objectionable, and time was becoming more and more precious to us as age advanced. Many letters are extant which would interest a certain class of readers in reference to this election, but I forbear to swell the amount of matter by quoting them. 1867. LETTER TO BOECKH. 285 CHAPTER XXXV. 1867. One of the first passages wliicli must be noted in the record of this year, is the letter addressed by the Historian to Professor Boeckh. I read this letter before it was despatched to Berlin, and recollecting how much there was to interest the mind of a student, I took measures in 1872 to obtain a copy, which, by the obliging courtesy of Madame Gneist, the daughter of the illustrious Boeckh, I am enabled to present to my readers : Geoege Geote to Professor Aug. Boeckh. March Vlth, 1867. Deae Sie, and most eespected Peofessoe, — I have just learnt, through a letter from Dr. Seligmann, that you intend to close your official Lectiures as Professor on Thursday next, the 15th, being the sixtieth anniversary of the day on which you first took your Doctor's degree. Your many friends and pupils at Berlin, who have had the hap- piness of personally knowing you, and the advantage of hearing your lectures, will of course celebrate this day by some suitable manifestation of respect and gratitude to you. But I cannot suffer the day to pass without a few words of sympathy from one of your foreign brothers-in-Hellenisni, who feels deeply indebted to you for the pleasure and instruction which he has derived from your numerous works. Your long and most active philological career has enabled you to extend and improve our knowledge of Hellenic antiquity more than any of your contemporaries, distinguished as several of them have been. Your works, taken together, form an encyclopaedia of philology in all its principal departments ; and the more a man studies the original authors themselves, the more he will appre- ciate yoiir copious and well-digested erudition. I will add that your works are an honour to philological criti- 286 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE, Chap. XXXV. cism, by the candid and temperate spirit in which you discuss the views of opponents, and by the entire absence of that asperity which is so repulsive in Prantl and other learned writers. It is however superfluous, except as a satisfaction to my own feeling, to say a word in praise of works like yours, which have obtained a monumental celebrity, not to be overthrown by any wind or rain. The close of a career like yours is a moment of interest to every scholar in Europe. Accept my very best and most earnest wishes, that you may still have before you a considerable farther period of health and comfort and active literary interest. You have attained an age already one year beyond the full age of Plato ; and I am happy to say that I see no difference between your later and earlier works, such as I am compelled to recognise in the Leges, as compared with the Eepublic, Protagoras, and Symposion. You will recollect that the elder Cato, when 90 years of age, accused Sergius Galba before the popular assembly, and that his speech was preserved among his works. No man has earned a few years of leisiu'e more fully or nobly than you. I trust that my expressions of sympathy and veneration towards you may be allowed to mingle with the FacJcelzug of the 15th, and I remain, dear Sir, yours most faithfully, Gkoege Grote. Professor Boeckh. That tbis tribute from an author of reputation, in his own full ripe stage, must have been gratif\ing to the veteran in his decline, one can have but little doubt. The Yice-Chancellor had his full measure of administrative work this spring. The upholding of the culture of mental science, as well as of the study of Greek, in the University of London, furnished many occasions for vigorous action on his part, whilst he also strove to lielp forward the claims of women to follow the course of medical instruction, by admitting female candidates to the examinations in that walk of study. In no one of these endeavours was he encouraged by such an amount of support as to sustain his hopes of permanent success. 1867. IMPORTANCE OF GREEK AND LATIN. 287 The classical element in the Senate of the University of London, though fitly enough represented in the persons of Sir John Acton, Mr. Twisleton, Mr. Lowe, and, I may add, Lord Overstone, was not numerically strong ; whilst the defection of Mr. Lowe from the side of scholarship served to throw a certain advantage into the scale of the partisans of other studies. Their earnest advocacy of the superior claims of physical science promised to overbear the endeavours of the classic party, to the undissembled regret of its leading members. As some compensation for this discouraging check, the Vice- Chancellor made an effective resistance to the proposal for lowering the standard of examinations. More than one eloquent " minute " stands recorded, wherein his masterly pen is employed in favour of maintaining the character of the University degrees (now standing confessedly high), by exacting the full amount of qualification in the candidates. These questions occupied Grote's mind during the period at which my narrative has arrived, with grave interest. It gave him some relief to recount to me in private what had taken place at the meetings of the Senate, and in committees of the Senate, on disputed points of discipline. Although nowise behindhand in sympathy for the advancement of the sciences, he used to say that theij would be sure to take care of themselves, whilst the acquisition of Greek and Latin required to be excited and encouraged by motives less obviously associated with material profit than the other subjects of study. In concluding this topic, I am tempted to add, at foot, some doggerel lines (from a humorous poem of the early part of this century) in connection with Mr. Lowe's views.* * Shade of Cocker loquitur : — " Learning, a drug had always been ; No Warehouseman will take it in. Should practis'd Mercers quit their satin To look at Greek and long for Latin ? [Should 288 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. XXXV. To pass to domestic facts ; I regret to allude to tlie con- tinued pressure of my own dyspeptic complaint, which during this year reduced my strength to the lowest point consistent with vitality. A second and slowly performed pilgrimage to Baden Baden, in July, on which I was accompanied by our amiable niece, Mary Grote, resulted in nothing beyond fatiguing my already exhausted frame. Mr. Grote remained in London, attending to his regular duties; and after I returned he took a fortnight's holiday in Paris, where the Great Exhibition amused him extremely. Had I been equal to any Continental travelling, we should have made a visit to Holland together, when George had done with Paris ; for we had long desired to see the curious cities of that country, associated as they were with his own paternal ancestry ; it having been a favourite notion with the Grotes, that " Hugo " was of their blood, though this was never established to our satisfaction, I must confess. My debility forbidding, then, Mr. Grote came back, and in September we spent a short time by the sea, in Sussex, where a slight amendment took place in my bodily condition. I here give a letter written this summer to Prof. Bain, showing the course of Grote's mental occupations, in the few leisure hours which remained to him at that busy season. Jult/ 29, 1867. I am preparing for you the contribution of Plato and Aris- totle towards the controversy of Eealism and Nominalism, and shall send it to you very soon. Having had occasion for that Should the pert, upstart Merchant's boy Behold the Tower and think of Troy ? Or should a democratic Hatter 'Bout old Republics make a clatter ? Should City Praters leave their tools To talk by Ciceronian rules, And, at our meetings in Guildhall, Puzzle the mob with Classic brawl ? No, to such things they've no pretence. No— let them stick to common sense." 1867. CONTEIBUTIONS TO MR. BAIN'S WORK. 289 purpose to look through again the accounts of the controversy through the middle ages, I perceive that the question stands throughout all that long time mainly on the ground on which Plato fii'st planted it, and from which Aristotle iraHsplanted it to a better ground of his own. The schoolmen seem to have imparted many new subtle distinctions of their own, in the style of Aristotle — with a good deal of mystical theology : but on the whole they enlarged the real question very little. * * * The remainder of this letter relates to the embarrassinfr question which just then arose in connection with an intem- perate speech uttered in support of the Sheffield ruffians, by one of the Professors of University College. Mr. Grote's respect for the right of free discussion was sorely combated by the disapprobation he felt, in common with the other members of council, towards the conduct of the Professor; but the matter was ultimately shelved by a pardonable device, so as to avoid the necessity of any interposition by authority in the matter. I left Eidgeway towards the end of October, and took my niece back to her relatives in North Wales, staying with them myself a few days, after which visit I passed a couple more with Mrs. Salis Schwabe, on the Menai Strait, and thence journeyed to Alderley Park, in Cheshire ; after a short stay there (my kind friend, Lady Stanley, accepting my invalid company indulgently), I made my solitary way home. Grote joined me at Eidgeway, and the last two months of this, to me baleful year, rolled tranquilly past in comparative seclusion ; only a few guests dropping down upon us in December, among whom were Mr. and Mrs. George Howard. The Historian absented himself, for British Museum and other duties, now and then, as he found it necessary, but spent the most part of his time at Eidgeway. Before entering upon the record of 1868, I deem it fitting to take some account of the product of Mr. Grote's pen, apart from his main work upon Aristotle, during the year 1867. I have already noted the contribution of the paper on u 290 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. XXXV Eealism and Nominalism for Mr. Bain's work, previous to his going to Paris in August. After returning thence I find a letter to Mr. Bain under date of October 11th: — "I will give you my best assistance with regard to the 6th book of the Ethics." Another letter, also in October : — " I have gone through what Sir William Hamilton says in refer- ence to Ai'istotle's views of common sense, and I send you by book- post, this day, a paper which I have prepared on the matter. * * * * I have spent some time in preparing it ; but I do not grudge the time, for it falls in perfectly with my work on Aristotle, and I have cleared up my own thoughts on Aristotle in criticising what Hamilton says about him. * * * * " If there is anything fui'ther which I can do for you in regard to the erudition of your forthcoming work, pray let me know. I will spare no pains in supplying what is wanted." Next in order of time comes the following letter to Mr. Bain : — Novemler 21st, 1867. On receiving your last letter, I immediately set myself to Aris- totle De Anima, and have sent you herewith a sort of brief extract of some of the leading points therein. His Psychology is peculiar as compared with modern times ; in some respects, I think, better. * * * * Thus much in proof of the Historian's unwearying exer- tions in his favourite field during the year 1867. 1868. STOICS AND EPICUREANS. 291 CHAPTER XXXVI. 1868. Our head-quarters continued at Kidgevvay for the first four months of this year. Very few visitors — partly on account of my impaired health, partly on account of Grote's disin- clination to spend his time otherwise than in communion with his books and in composition. One of the first letters which I shall quote is written from the Ridgeway. 19th Feb. 1868. Dear Mr. Bain, Your last note apprised me that this day's post would be sufficient time to send you the papers uj)on Epicureans and Stoics. Accordingly, I forward them by book-post of this day.* You will see that I have written a good deal upon both the two ancient sects. * * * * j ^m sure that the last icord has not been said, upon either Stoics or Epicureans. * * * * Take notice of a short note which I have put upon the Stoical theory — pointing out the analogy between what they said about self-con- servation, and what you say about the same in ' Emotions and Will. » * * * G. G. Again, March the 7th : — I am glad you are pleased with the matter about Stoics and Epicui-eans. It would have required a far larger space to do full justice to either of them. * » * » * All these hors d'ceuvre wore furnished to the ' Manual of Mental Science,' published in April of this year. But along with those named in the text must be cited ' Plato and Aristotle on the Theory of Ideas' (Appendix, pp. 1-23), and ' Aristotle on the Origin of Knowledge' (pp. 33 49). u2 292 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. XXXVL I send you a copy of my Plato, which you will use for the first prize in your class. * * * * At the end of April we set up our head-quarters in London. My health had slightly improved (though the implacable neuralgic torments gave me frequent discomfort), and I felt it a duty to save George the trouble of going to and fro there, whilst the calls on his time were many and important in character. We received a few learned and scientific ac- quaintances, as well as habitual intimates, not unfrequently, and more than one of our dinner jDarties were said to have been particularly pleasant. Professor Bain was often of the number of our guests, always infusing more or less of intel- lectual stimulus into the conversation. The Vice-Chancellor was in good working order; and, indeed, I sliould say that this year might be reckoned as one of the most active, and generally fruitful of his later period. This notwithstanding, it was clear to my solicitous vision, that the pace at which he was now travelling could not much longer be maintained. Here is an entry in the Diary, which was but too accurate an estimate of the case : — " Mr. Grote's health, I fully expect, will ere long give way under the unwholesome habits in which he permits himself to indulge ; spending about twenty-two houi'S out of the twenty-four — indeed sometimes twenty-three hom-s — within four walls. Devoting four hours a day, not unfreq^uently, to the " Boards " he belongs to, in a close atmosphere, and working his brain the while. " He sometimes accompanies me to Kensington Gardens, and walks there for half an hoiu* or so with me, retui'ning to his private room afterwards. He passes the forenoon in severe study, and the evenings also, with the exception of those which happen to be spent abroad, or on which he receives company at his own house ; these amoimting to, perhaps, three days a week on an average- not more. Mr. Grote's personal aspect is sensibly changed within the last eight months, whilst I discern a lessening capacity for bodily exertion not fairly referable to his being one year older. His hand shakes worse than it did, his gait has altered to that of an old man, from being remarkably steady and elastic up to a recent date. Unless he alters his ways, a crisis must, I fear, before another year passes, overtake my illustrious partner. * « ♦ * 1868. ARISTOTLE'S DE ANIMA. 293 " Sure I am that he is failing in physical power, although the force of his intellect sustains itself wholly unimpaired. These impressions are shared by more than one of our intimates, who see the matter exactly as I do myself." — Diary of Jime, 1868. Over and above the contributions to Mr. Bain's ' Manual,* already enumerated, the paper, or whatever it may be called, on Aristotle's De Animd, occupied Grote's studious hours for not less than eiglit months ; thus suspending the course of his main work for an equal period. To my affectionate re- monstrances against his over-generous sacrifice of time and labour in the service of another man's books, he would reply, that, in elaborating the subject for Mr. Bain, he was in some sort enlarging his own conceptions, and acquiring a greater mastery of the field on which he hoped to enter later on his own account. Once he said, with a slight accent of solemnity, " Sliould I not live to complete my Aristotle, those who follow me will find, in my paper on the De Animd, the soul and essence of that great Philosopher's thought and speculations, and they will be assisted to work out the vein for future students by what I have done before them." In truth, I feel a profound conviction that Grote himself regarded these 70 pages (they occupy this space, as reprinted from ' The Senses and the Intellect ' of Bain, in the published volumes of his Aristotle, 1872) of the Be Animd as the purest product of his own mental crucible. Never had he bestowed more intense, more sustained meditation, on any piece of intellectual work than was concentrated upon this favourite morceau. It was so absorbing, that he would even fami- liarly talk about it, when we were taking our walk together. I could plainly perceive, in short, that he felt inwardly conscious of having hung up his shield in the Temple of Philosophy, when he completed this paper.* In September, we went to the Farm at Long Bennington, * On this chef-cV oeuvre the ' Edinbm-gh Eeview ' of October, 1872, drily remarks, that " it attracted some attention among students." 294 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. XXXVL from whence Grote despatched the annexed letter to Mr. Bain, I remember reading it before it went to post, and, setting a value upon it, I wrote to request that Mrs. Bain would make a copy for me — which she obligingly did. The reader will not fail to thank her (along with me) for the privilege ob- tained of reading it. (The MSS. means De Anima, of course.) Long Bennington, Ath September, 1868. Deak Mk. Bain, By Wednesday's post I sent down to you the MSS. of Aristotle's Psychology, having taken the precaution to go with it myself to the head post-office in Vere Street, and register it. I hope therefore that you have got it, and I shall he very glad to hear from you to say so. I am glad that I have finished it ; the fact of having done so inspires me with additional ardour for pro- secuting my entire work on Aristotle. In getting up this Psycho- logy, I have found my ideas respecting his philosophy (and indeed ancient speculation generally) much enlarged and cleared uj) ; and I shall he better armed in regard to the Aristotelian matter yet remaining to me. If my intellectual force shall give way before I finish the whole, at least there will be this portion of it preserved in your Appendix. My power of doing work is sadly diminished as to qnanfity, as my physical powers in walking are ; but as to quality (both jjerspi- cacity, memory, and suggestive association bringing up new com- munications), I am siu-e that my intellect is as good as ever it was (I shall be 74, November 17th j. When you send me the proof of the article, I will add one paragrai)h that has since occurred to me as an approiu'iate wind-up. In coming down here yesterday, I read the September number of the " Fortnightly," seeing by the advertisement that it contained an article by you. I read it with very great pleasure : it seems to me most excellent ; it is the lecture (apparently) that I did not hear last May at the Eoyal Institution. The same nimiber contained also an admirable article upon the Science of History, ^^Titten with great ability, and in the best spirit, by an American author, whose name I never heard before — John Fiske. I am truly glad to find that there are authors capable, as well as willing, to enunciate such thoughts. This article is the first of an intended pair ; it contains the negative side exceedingly well handled. I scarcely dare to hope that the positive matter in the sequel will be equally 1868. GENERAL ELECTION. 295 good. There was also another good article in the same number — on John Wilkes. I hope you are like a giant refreshed, after your sejour in the domain of Hygieia, and the walks with " Daisy." Best regards to Mrs. Bain, &c. After our visit to the Farm, we spent a couple of months in comparative seclusion, chiefly at the Ridgeway; broken in upon at the end by the general election, which obliged the Vice-Chancellor to go to London, because he was " returning officer " for his own constituency. I subjoin an extract from Diary of 26th November, 1868.* "John Mill lost his election for Westminster on 17th instant; the Conservative candidate heading the poll by a large majority. Mr. Grote voted early for the two Liberals, then went to the City and polled at Guildhall (as a liveryman) for the three Liberals. Eetm-ning to University of London, he presided over the ceremony of electing their own Member, in the person of Mr. Lowe, and afterwards walked down to the Athenaeum to ascertain the result of the other metropolitan polling. He seemed nowise fatigued in the evening, after his active day's work. This was his natal day, on which he entered his 75th year. God grant him many more of them ! " Again this entry : — " The month of December at Eidgeway, tranquil spectators of the conflict of political parties, the change of Ministry from Lord Derby's hands to those of Mr. Gladstone's party, and the lather unusual tempests which raged during the final portion of this year. Grote busy on a paper to be incorporated with John S. Mill's new edition of his father's book, ' The Analysis of the Himian Mind.' He has so ardent an interest in metaphysical studies, that he can- not deny himself the satisfaction of elucidating the subject, whether on his own account or that of other laboui-ers in the science." — Diary, December, 1868. The annexed letter from Mr. Grote to J. S. Mill, in con- nection with this matter, will be a fitting termination to the " Chronicle " of this year. Ridgeway, Decemher 11th, 1868. I send to you by this post my remarks xipon the two chapters in the Analysis. It is not without some compunction that I have 29G PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. XXXVI. written them : for they express so much dissent from that excellent book and its still more excellent author, that I feel somewhat as the Eleatic fevos feels in Plato's Sophistes, when he is refuting his master Parmenides — as if I were TrarpaAoias tis. However, I leave what I have written entirely at your disposition. * * * * G. G. It was some time in this year that the Historian addressed the following letter to a literary friend : — " Your acquaintance with recent publications is so large that I trouble you with the following inquiry. " "Which is the best and most readable English History of the Koman Eepublic ? I am asked by a lady to recommend such a work for her sons, studious youths. I do not mean a mere school- book or abridgment, but such a work as would be, for the times anterior to Commodus, what Gibbon is for the times posterior to Commodus. I say this to indicate generally what I mean : for I know there is but one Gibbon." I find au entry in my book of a conversation in which the merits of Gibbon are dwelt upon. It will be read with interest in connection with the letter above quoted : — " Mr. Grote said he had, in the course of the last few months, taken down Gibbon's work and read occasionally therein ; and, he added, he had been penetrated with admiration of the exactitude and fidelity of the references, which was proved by comparing them with the original authorities quoted in his notes. Grote had tested Gibbon's trustworthiness, on several points, by reference to ancient writers, and invariably found his statements correct and candid. Dr. William Smith said he too had compared the references in Gibbon with the works cited, in a considerable number of instances, and that he was affected by the same feeling of respect and admira- tion as the Historian of Greece, in similar circumstances. Mr. Grote on this occasion went on in a strain of eulogy about Gibbon, such as I rarely hear him employ in speaking of modern writers. He remarked upon the excellent judgment, the just appreciation of historical incidents, the freedom from bias on personal preferences, the faculty of discernment in sifting the bearing of evidence, also the vigour of expression of Gibbon ; adding, however (what most cultivated students would concur in) his objection to the style in which the book is written. In speaking of the famous 15th and 16th chapters, Grote thought that they had been unfairly con- 1868. GROTE ON GIBBON. 297 demned, in 60 far as hostility to Christian tradition went. He regarded these chapters as falling under the legitimate treatment of an historical pen, and nothing farther. And had they been written at the present day, far less fuss would have been made about their mischievous tendency. The talk about the Irish Church, and the pamphlets of Earl Grey and Lord Dufferin there- anent, occupied a vast deal of our attention : Lord Grey's views receiving cordial approval from us all.' — Diary, 1868. 298 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. XXXVII. CHAPTER XXXVn. 1869. January was spent at the Eidgeway ; a short visit to London in February. In the course of this spring I made the acquaintance (through Lady Egerton of Tatton) of Sir William Gomm, Field-Marshal, one of the few survivors of the army which fought at Waterloo. He was attached to Sir Thomas Picton's brigade on that memorable day. Sir William Gomm served for some time in India, and indeed had been commander of the forces there. Being at Simla, he occupied himself with the study of Grote's * History of Greece,' having got hold of the first five volumes. He was so absorbed in the book, that he made copious notes upon portions of it ; which notes I have since had the privilege of reading, and Mr. Grote also looked through them. The observations and comments indicate an attentive following of the author's text, especially in connection with the mili- tary incidents, on which Sir W.'s remarks are pertinent and even instructive. He said he had burned with desire to go and view the site of the battle of Marathon with Grote's book in his hand. " It had been objected," I observed, " by critics, that the story of IMarathon was too coldly narrated in Grote." "Not at all! " replied the veteran, "it is excellently told, and I have read it over, often, witli delight." When I mentioned my conversation with Sir William Gomm to Mr. Grote, he obviously felt flattered at finding he had stirred up so much enthusiasm in the old soldier's breast by his description of that immortal combat. The author and his admirer met more than once afterwards, and exchanged conversation with mutual interest ; " the Greeks " being the chief topic, of course. 1869. STATE OF HEALTH. 299 Neither Grote nor myself were quite in health during the spring ; owing mainly, I believe, to the detestable weather. I liad a tedious attack of influenza, and he suffered from more than one bad cold. In May, the distribution of prizes at the University of London took place, in the new building, though not in the theatre ; being ill, I could not " assist," myself, but Grote was present. " The University is in excellent train : large entries of candidates both for degrees and matriculation, whilst the new examiners compose a list of distinguished scholars and scientific celebrities. Mr. Grote bestows untiring labour on the administration of its concerns, as heretofore." — Diary of May 24/^, 1869. He also worked steadily all the spring upon the Aristotle, and, bating a cold now and then, did not appear to be un- equal to the calls upon his mental faculties or to the fatigues of " the season :" mixing occasionally in society, often attending the meetings of " the club," and, I may add, follow- ing the course of home politifs with more than oidinary interest, the disestablishment of the Irish Church rekindling in some measure the old Radical sympathies of 1835. But of this I shall have sometliing more to say at a future stage of my narrative. The summer drew on, and I began to grow weary of town life, and of receiving company. The weather became hot towards the middle of June, and I betook myself to the Ridgeway for a space. The Historian stuck to his work, however, and, as the sequel proved, with its inevitable penalty. In July we paid a short visit to Lord and Lady Chesham, at their delightful seat " Latimers." On this occa- sion, I was struck with certain " diagnostics " in Mr. Grote, which, added to the pallor of his face and his loss of appetite, gave me reason to fear that he was " not right." Still, he would not be persuaded to go into the country so long as there was a " Board " sitting. I remained there down to the end of July, when, feeling some " misgivings," I went up to Savile Row, and, sure enough, found my poor partner in a most dilapidated state. oOO PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. XXXVIL " George, you really must see a doctor ! " " Oh ! do, there is nothing material the matter with me. When the University closes, 1 shall go down to Eidgeway, and all will come to rights when I get on horseback again," &c. &c. Kowise assenting to this sanguine view of things, I made my way to Dr. Gueiieau de Mussy's residence, and, luckily finding him at home, stated the symptoms which I had ob- served in Mr. Grote's condition. He said he would pay me a visit next morning, and did so. On announcing his pre- sence, the Historian made no resistance to being " inspected " by the kind and clear-sighted physician, who, after half-an- hour's stay, communicated to me his opinion that immediate steps should be taken towards amending the health of his patient, whom he pronounced to be in " un etat de prostra- tion nerveuse deplorable." In truth the case was urgent, I saw. Dr. de Mussy ordered him to proceed at once to Hombourg- les-Bains ; to drink the waters for three weeks, and then to travel in Switzerland, among the mountains, for a fortnight more. I felt nowise surprised by this verdict, but seriously puzzled how to manage to ohey the mandate. Being excessively feeble in health myself, at the time, though not ill, I pressed George to set off, taking his servant with him, saying that " I would try to join him later on, after his ' waters,' if I got up a little strength." However, he declared positively that, " unless I would accompany him, he would not budge an inch." To cut short the story, I hastened down to Eidgeway and prepared for the undertaking as well as I could ; George, on his side, huddling up his " concerns," and arranging his mani- fold engagements so as to break away, and on the 9th August he and I met at Folkestone, as a beginning of our dreary pilgrimage. The very next morning, I met with a severe hurt on the temple, through a fall, and we were detained three days on account of this mishap, before I was capable of proceeding on our journey. It was indeed an inauspicious " start," in every way. 1869. VISIT TO HOMBURG. 301 Our journey was effected, though it proved both slow and tiresome — the crowds of travellers rendering the traffic almost too much for the railway system to accommodate itself to, while our rooms at the hotels were not suitable for invalids, nor indeed were they readily obtained. Halting at Brussels for a day, to rest, we paid a visit to the " Academic " there ; as Geoi-ge was a member of that Institution, he considered it a duty to pay it tliis compliment. We likewise called at the Observatory, to inquire for the Secretary of the " Academie des Sciences Morales et Historiques," M. Quetelet. Botli Grote and myself regretted to learn that he was absent ; for, entertaining a sincere respect for that eminent Economist, we should have felt pleasure in making his personal acquaint- ance. After a six days' struggle, we took up our quarters at the " Hotel Bellevue " at Homburg. The Historian lost no time in commencing his " regime," repairing at 7 a.m., daily, to the " Quelle " indicated, and walking conscientiously after- wards. I drank the water early, but in my own apartment, feeling wholly unequal to such an exertion as sallying forth, dressed, at seven in the morning. The effect of the waters, on both of us, was more than null — it was hurtful. My dear husband grew worse rather than otherwise, whilst my own condition became depressed beyond its habitual level. We were, indeed, disheartened : our lives wore on, dull and joyless from disappointed hopes, insomuch that we wrote to John Mill, renouncing tiie project (which had been floating in the future at leaving England) of "join- ing forces " with him and Miss Taylor for a tour in Switzer- land, when our "kur" should be ended. During the time we spent at Homburg, George worked in the forenoon, daily, at his 'Aristotle,' having carried with him a provision. of books to "feed the fire." Also in the evenings he would compose a page or two, but reading formed the dominant occupation of the afternoon and evening hours; always deducting our meal time, our two or three hours' drive in the environs, and our stroll in 302 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. XXXVIL the gardens after dinner. Grote's intellectual appetite being "omnivorous," lie would devour various books in different languages by turns, and when any of these were such as to enable me to discuss their contents with him, he would willingly do so. Indeed, I was confessedly the gainer by the forced interruption of " duty " of all kinds, for I never recollect my husband's conversation to have been more flowing, edifying, or delightful than it was on this occasion. When we drove out together (if it was in fine weather) he would let his thoughts run over, as it were, unreservedly, on all subjects. The stores which years of meditation and reading had accumulated within his mind naturally found utterance when he had nothing else to do, and when a willing listener sat by his side. Sometimes George would open up a conversation with our driver, inquiring into the economic conditions of the peasantry in the locality, their mode of cultivation, their social ideas, and the like. As the drivers were, for the most part, members of the rural land-owning class, the information obtained proved often interesting to the historian. We were struck by the general practice of drilling the male population on Sundays, which we observed in taking our drives round Homburg. I need hardly add that Grote spoke tlie German language readily, and even managed to understand the German of the " Kutscher." After a fortnight of our dismal experiment at Homburg, we came to the conviction that the place was nowise advan- tageous to Grote's case, and accordingly departed for Frank- fort, where we spent two days; shut up by severely cold weather, in our hotel. Thence we made our way across, by Bingen, to Metz, a wearisome journey of 6^ hours. At Metz we passed a couple of days. The place is very attractive, and then we were so pleased to find ourselves in France once more, the country ever dear to us both, wherein we always felt our spirits rise to cheerfulness. We left Metz on the 7th of September, and " made " direct for Paris. It happened that, before starting for the railway station, we got hold of two Paris journaux — ' Le Siecle " and 1869. PAPJS JOURNALS. 303 the * Tribune.' Our astonishment was mutual at the altered tone of these papers. " Why, bless me ! H.," cried George, " here are these French papers talking the freest language. I cannot understand how it comes to pass that, all at once, the press should break forth in such unwonted style ! " " Well," replied I, " we shall know more about it when we get to Paris, I suppose." When we arrived there, sure enough we found a wonderful state of things. None of my readers needs to learn at this time of day, from my pen, what were the circumstances under which the democratic sentiment found a vent in the autumn of 1869. Tiie serious derangement of the Emperor Napo- leon's health occupied all Frenchmen's minds, and the unavoidable relaxation of the restrictions, till now imposed by an absolute government, was followed by a bursting of the pent-up waters, resembling that of the giving way of Holmfirth Dam in the north of England, some years since. We remained in Paris from 8th September to the 18th. The effect of the daily articles against the Empire, which Grote devoured with avidity, of course, appeared to me to be more beneficial to his health and spirits than anything he had yet tried. He used to go out and buy a heap of these trashy diatribes every day, bringing in an ' armful to our apartment at Meurice's. '* Well, my love," said I one morn- ing to the Historian, " you seem to enjoy wading through those sheets of railings about the Emperor, but to my taste the matter is coarse, superficial, and hackneyed." " You say truly," he would reply ; " one reads nothing but what has been written again and again about public affairs, and there is, really, no great power in what is here vomited forth. But the pleasure I derive from reading all this flood of abuse arises from the bare fact of its publication, without the writers of it being marched off to the Bicetre. That is the point which touches my sympathies, after 18 years of sup- pression of all liberty of speech in the nation." I could not wonder at Grote's feeling as he did, and, moreover, I own to 304 PEKSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. XXXVII. having spent much time over the " trash " in question, myself. I pass over the incidents of our sejour in Paris, although they were socially pleasant, for no particular feature occurs to me as deserving a record, excepting one passage, which perhaps may seem to offer interest in connection with the events which ensued later. On one afternoon we received a visit at our hotel from two friends, both Frenchmen — the Count A. de Circourt and the Count de Belveze. Politics, of course, formed the staple of our long conversation , Grote gradually becoming animated by their respective predictions about the pending changes in the course of the Government. Indeed, the malady under which the Chief of the Executive was then suffering rendered political speculation more bold and active than had been possible for a length of time. Towards the end of the visit, M. de Belveze, amused by Grrote's seeming to doubt the chances of France returning to Republicanism, in spite of all that the two friends had been telling him of its proba- bility, said, " Well, now, I will recount to you what befel me this very day, and you shall judge whether the incident does not confirm our own opinions. I was on my way to call on my physician, when I met M. Thiers. ' Come with me,' cries he, ' and we will have a talk as we walk.' ' I cannot do so, for I must go and see Dr. ***.'< Ah ! never mind your doctor, a walk with me will do you much more good than any doctor ! ' " Thus saying, Thiers tucked his arm under that of M. de Belveze, and off they went together ; naturally, since I never knew any one to resist the fascination of M. Thiers' company if offered to him. M. de Belveze cer- tainly could not, anyhow. They plunged at once into the "situation actuelle," of course. " You know," said M. Thiers, '• as well as every one else, that I never was a Republican : my whole life has been passed in antagonism with Republican doctrines." " Certainly," rejoined M. de Belveze, "we know it enough." "Well," re- plied M. Thiers, " for all that, I will frankly own to you tliat 1869. THIERS ON THE REPUBLIC. 305 I have of late come to think differently. In plain terms, I am now profoundly persuaded quil ny a rien de possible que la Repuhliqiie." * "Now, what say you to this confession de foif* said M. de Belveze, smiling. We all held our peace. The communication seemed to take all three of us by surprise. When we were again alone, George declared himself much impressed by the fact of so acute an interpreter of the augu- ries as M. Thiers, adopting the Republic fis the safest course to follow. Little did my dear Historian dream of the coming disasters which were destined to overtake his loved France, under tlie shadow of a mock Republican government, within two short years of this prophetic vision. To resume the thread of our domestic proceedings — we returned to the Ridgeway on 25th September (after a weari- some detention of several days at Boulogne, owing to tempes- tuous weather), and were glad to sit down " under our own vine" once more. Tiie subjoined extract from the Diary will furnish some idea of how matters stood in regard to Mr. Grote's health :— " Although the effect of the Homburg waters signally failed us, yet the influence of recreative, or at any rate of varied impressions, of forced repose of mind, of much open air existence, and the sus- pension of many exhausting duties, have together brought about a certain reaction in the nervous system. " His appetite has returned, and but for a tiresome irritation of the trachea he would sleep well. Dr. Capron is endeavoui-ing to mitigate this. His pulse is stronger than it has been for many weeks past. Altogether, he appears free, at present, from all ailment, walking, since his return to Eidgeway, with pleasure and without fatigue, several miles when the weather permits." — Nov. 20. October and November were passed at the Ridgeway, but * This conversation may serve to defend ]M. Thiers against the accusation of having (in 1871) declared for the Republic because it would enable him to become the chief of the state. At this date he could have had no expectation of what came to pass a year later. X 306 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEOllGE GROTE. Chap. XXXVII. George made one or two journeys to London to set liis " Boards " a-going for the winter Trimesire. We received a small number of guests, and were " busy," as heretofore, in our respective ways. In the early days of November we were surprised to receive a communication from the First Minister of the Crown, which contained the offer of a peerage of the United Kingdom to Mr, Grote. This letter and Mr. Grote's answer to Mr. Gladstone are, respectively, so interesting that I feel it incumbent upon me to produce them without curtailment. 10, Downing Street, November 8, 1869. My dear Sib, I have the satisfaction of proposing to you, with the authority of Her Majesty, that you should become a peer of the United Kingdom. You cannot be insensible to that which all will at once jierceive, that the proposal I now make is a simple tribute to your character, services, and attainments. It may, I hojie, be pleasing to you, and on that account it gives me a reflected pleasure; but I have a higher gratiiication in thinking that the acceptance of such an offer, in such a case, has the important effect of adding strength to the House of Lords for the discharge of its weighty duties. Hoping I may anticipate at least your acquiescence, I remain, with much respect, My dear Sir, Sincerely yours, W. E. Gladstone. Geo. Grote, Esq., F.E.S. (Reply to Right Hon. \V. E. Gladstone's letter.) Sheee, Guildford, November 9, 1869. My dear Sir, 1 beg to acknowledge the letter of yesterday, with which you have honoured me. Its contents, and the generous offer which you have obtained Her Majesty's authority to make me, are alike flattering and unexpected. I deeply and gratefully appreciate the sentiments which you are pleased to express respecting my character and services. These I shall treasure up never to be foi'gotten, coming as they do from a 1869. OFFER OF A PEERAGE. 307 Minister who has entered on the work of reform with a sincerity and energy never hitherto paralleled. Such recognition is the trne and sufficient recompense for ail useful labours of mine. But as to the farther recompense which you graciously propose — a peerage — I must ask your permission respectfully, yet very decidedly, to decline it. I say little about the honourable status and title, which at my age and to my peculiar feelings would be an unwelcome change : but my insuperable reason for declining the proposition is, that I cannot consent to xmdertake any new or additional public duties. You allude, with perfect propriety, to " the important effect of adding strength to the House of Lords for the discharge of its weighty duties," as the legitimate motive for new appointments. Now, my hands are already too full to allow of my taking part in other iveiyhty duties. I am deeply interested in the promotion of the higher education, on the principles common to University College and the University of London ; and much of my time and energy is devoted to both these institutions. Besides these, I am actively engaged as one of the administrators of the British Museum, which I consider to be of high national importance, and to which (I believe) I give more attendance than any other trustee. Last, though not least, I am engaged in a work on Aristotle forming a sequel to my work on Plato : and as I am thoroughly resolved to comj^lete this, if health and energy be preserved to me, I feel that (being now nearly seventy-five) I have no surplus force for other purposes. When I was in the Commons formerly, I well remember the dissipation of intellectual energy which the multifarious business of legislation then occasioned to me. I must therefore now decline a seat in the House of Lords, for the same reasons which have induced me, more than once, to decline the easy prospect of a renewed seat in the Commons. I am almost ashamed to trouble the Prime Minister of England with so much personal detail about myself. But my only uneasi- ness in writing this note is, lest, in sending a decided refusal, I should appear to respond ungraciously to his generous communi- cation. I remain, my dc ar Sir, Yours very sincerely, Gico. rjiiOTi:. Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone, M.P. X 2 308 PEESONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. XXXVIT. Novanher 10, 1869. Dear Mr. Grote, As you will naturally be alarmed at the siglat of my liand- writing, I begin witb an endeavour to reassure you. I am compelled to confess that your letter shuts my mouth as for as any attempt to shake your decision is concerned ; yet I must not be prevented from saying how much it deepens my regret at being unable to secure for the House of Lords the advantage of reckoning you among its members. With respectful but very hearty good wishes, both for your labours and yourself, I remain, dear Mr. Grote, Sincerely yours, W. E. Gladstone. The news of this flattering proposal having been made to the Historian soon "got wind," and both be and I received letters expressive of warm sympathy and gratification thereat. Presently, however, this note changed to wonderment, on our friends discovering that the attraction of a coronet had not proved sufficient to turn the course of Grote's duties and habits into a fresh channel. Among many pleasing testi- monies of friendly regret which reached us, were two notes which I find it impossible to withhold from the reader. They breathe so sincere a feeling of respect and confidence towards the subject of this memoir, that the writers will, I hope, forgive my taking the liberty of inserting them here- My dear Mrs. Grote, * * * Gladstone sent me your husband's letter — "be- cause, though a refusal, it will give you great pleasure to read it." The exception, however, to the " pleasure " is very great to me. In the position which I imperfectly fill in the Lords, it is diflSeult to say how much I should have appreciated the sui)port I should have felt in the j^resence of Mr, Grote. It is not, however, for me to argue against a decision which has been taken on so high and honourable a ground. Yours very sincerely, GUANVILLK. 18(59. LETTERS ON THE PEERAGE. 309 14, Hyde Park Ticrrace, November 15, 18G9. My dear Mrs. Grote, I am sorry that Grote has refused the peerage that was offered to hini. I have no doubt that for his own comfort and interest he has acted wisely, but I think that his presence in the House of Lords would have been advantageous to the cause of good government in very many respects. The House of Lords, also, is no longer what it was fifty years since, when he and I were boys : it has become a much more democratic, or rather, less aristocratic, assembly than it was then : and Grote might, and I believe would, have done much good. I admit, however, that the sacrifice was too great for him to make, and therefore I do not trouble him with any observations : but I cannot help breathing forth my regrets to you. Do not trouble yourself to notice this scrawl. Yours very sincerely, EOMILLY. My affectionate regards to Grote " non obstante." E. No comment would seem necessary in relation to this singular passage, after the statement contained in Mr. Grote's reply of his motives for remaining a " plain citizen." The incident was naturally productive of agreeable feelings both to himself and to his intimate friends, and 1 will con- fess that it not seldom formed the subject of our quiet domestic " talk." "To be sure" (Grote would say), "it is one of the most unlooked-for events that could have overtaken me in my old age, to have the oifer of a peerage I I am never tired of wondering at the bare notion of my passing from the * Kadical ' to the House of Lords, at this time of day." " Well, you see, it is because you earned the confidence of the * Kadicals ' through your House of Commons period that you would now bo regarded as representing the popular interest in the Lords, and so, your voice would carry tlie more weight with the country when you gave utterance to your sentiments." " Yes, tliat might be so. But the opinions of the so-called Ivadicals of the present day do not accurately 310 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. XXXVI I. represent those which I and my friends held thirty years ago, and which I continue to hold, substantively. Indeed, I do not think that, personally, I should have found myself ill-assorted with the members of the Upper House, in which there are many able and well-instructed individuals, moved by the purest impulses towards good legislation; and I daresay I might have lent a useful support to a Government disposed to sound views, on many subjects. My insuperable objection, really, is to the altering my framework of ex- istence in any way." I'hus would George and myself " prose " over the wonder- ful "surprise" in question, when alone at the Ridgeway. We felt entirely together as to the decision come to on his pai't, and indeed, no one who knew us intimately expected anything hut such agreement. I conclude my record of 1869 by the mention of Mr. Grote's health, which gradually returned to a condition sufBciently reassuring to those about him during the latter weeks of the year. We passed a fortnight in December in Savile Kow, where we kept the " cook " going, rather briskly, with frequent "little dinners" — friends clustering round us with gratulation at Grote's restored health, mixed with pleasant raillery about " the peerage," &c. 1870. UNlVEKaiTY OF LONDON. 311 CHAPTER XXXVIII. 1870. We 8tayed at Eidgeway during the first tbree months of this year. The weather severe, and desperately injurious to those who, hke ourselves, found it necessary to be careful about catching cold. 8ir Henry Holland said to me one day that the winter of 1869-1870 was the most unwholesome winter he remembered during the past forty years ! George observed somewhat unusual caution in regard to his health, in consequence of the rigour of the season ; even going the length of keeping \Aithin doors for days together. He went up occasionally to Savile Row, nevertheless, and I made a point of being also in London when he was detained there more than a couple or three days, and we " held on," fairly well, up to May. He was extremely pleased at having obtained from the Government the appointment of an Assistant Registrar, to share the administrative functions of Dr. William Carpenter at the University of London, although the gentleman on whom the Vice-Chancellor and the mem- bers of the CormnUtee of the Senate fixed their choice, for that office, was set aside by the Senate in favour of Dr. Archer Hirst. George was actuated in this proceeding, partly by a desire to promote the physiological labours of the Registrar, as being most valuable to students of the natural sciences generally ; but moreover, he held Dr. Carpenter entitled to be relieved in some degree of the weight of his duties at the University, after years of devoted service towards getting the Institution into working order. The new structure in Burlingtou Gardens was so nearly completed as to render it probable that the Queen would honour the University with her presence on the ap[)roaching 312 PEESONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. XXXVIII. ceremony of opening the building for the uses of the esta- blishment. Accordingly we were all on the alert in this expectation, and on one morning in April, Grote invited me to accompany him to the new building, over which he con- ducted me in person ; pointing out, with a proud satisfaction, the different halls, destined for the furtherance of his most cherished purposes ; and dwelling upon the admirable adap- tation of the place to the carrying out of its objects, &c. During all the early part of this year George was actively striving to maintain the standard of examinations in the University of London, against a section of the members of Convocation. I remember his giving a great deal of time to penning *' minutes " in support of the inflexible measure required of the candidates for degrees, and I saw more than one letter of his, couched in the same tone, to Professor Bain on this subject. In the month of February, a member of Parliament had moved for " leave to bring in a Bill for Ballot at Elections," and Lord Hartington manifesting no intention to oppose the measure on the part of the Government, we were led to anti- cipate its being at no distant day accepted by the House of Commons. Eemarking to the Historian, at my breakfast, what a change had come about, in relation to this question, since our parliamentary days, he replied, " Yes, certainly, the Ballot seems to me, now, not unlikely to be ere long carried." " Well, then, you will have lived to see your own favourite measure triumph over all obstacles, and you will of course feel great satisfaction thereat ? " " I should have done so had it not been for the recent alteration in the suffrage. Since the wide expansion of the voting element, I confess that the value of the Ballot has sunk in my estimation. I do not, in fact, think the elections will be affected by it, one way or another, as far as party interests are concerned." " Still, you will at all events get at the genuine preference of the constituency in choosing their candidate." 1870. CHANGE OF VIEWS. 313 *' No doubt ; but then, again, I have come to perceive that the choice between one man and another, among the Euglisli people, signifies less than I used formerly to think it did. Take a section of society, cut it through from top to bottom, and examine the composition of the successive layers. They are much alike throughout the scale. The opinions, all based upon the same social instincts : never upon a clear or enlightened perception oi general interests. Every particular class pursuing its own, the result is, a universal struggle for the advantages accruing from jparty supremacy. The English mind is much of one pattern, take whatsoever class you will. The same favourite prejudices, amiable and otherwise; the same antipathies, coupled with ill-regulated, though bene- volent eiforts to eradicate human evils, are well nigh uni- versal : modified, naturally, by instruction, among the highly educated few ; but they hardly affect the course of out-of- doors sentiment. I believe, therefore, that the actual composition of Parliament represents with tolerable fidelity the British people. And it will never be better than it is, for a House of Commons cannot afford to be above its own constituencies, in intelligence, knowledge, or patriotism." Thus would the Historian give expression to the views which time, experience, and reflection, led him to entertain as years rolled over his head. Wise and instructive as was his talk, it could not fail to be tinged with a certain sombre cast of thought, because, along with experience, had come also the dissipation of some early illusions, to part with which caused to Grote uudissembled regret. Among these, one of the foremost was, the belief in the policy of making further concessions towards the Irish. Few ever laboured more strenuously to enforce an indulgent course upon the Government, on all matters bearing upon the sister kingdom, than the "member for Loudon," in bygone days. Yet he \\ouLl own, not, however, without a mournful tone and manner, in 1870, that " I have arrived at the conviction that it will never be possible to govern Ireland otherwise than as a conquered country." 314 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. XXXVIH. Those who knew George Grote will appreciate the homage rendered to Keason when, in deference to its force, he could bring himself to put aside the long-cherished impulses of his generous nature. But it must be observed that the views of the philosophic statesman latterly came to predominate over the opinions which had characterised the earlier phase of Grote's political creed. Ever alive to the lessons of practical wisdom, as gained by his acute observation of men and things, he never shrank from confessing to such changes as they might happen to generate in his mind. Not that he would ever acknowledge himself other than republican, in sentiment, to the very close. To have renounced this was more than could be expected of a lifelong partisan and eloquent panegyrist of that form of government. All that he would admit in its disparagement was that republican institutions formed no more effectual safeguard against the abuse of jpoiver than monarchy, though he should jirefer the former. He once said, in conversing with myself in 1867 about the United States, " I have outlived my faith in the efficacy of repub- lican government regarded as a check upon the vulgar passions of a majority in a nation, and I recognise the fact that supreme power lodged in their hands may be exercised quite as mischievously as by a desj)otic ruler like the first Napoleon. The conduct of the Northern States, in the late conflict with the Southern States, has led me to this conclu- sion, though it costs me much to avow it, even to myself." At page 235 of this work allusion occurs to a translation of Grote's ' History of Greece ' in the Italian language, and it is incumbent on me to state some further particulars con- cerning it. A year or two subsequent to the jiublication of the tenth volume, the author received a letter from a lady named Olympia Colonna, a member of a Neapolitan family of con- dition, informing him that she had made, or rather begun to make, an Italian translation of the first few volumes. The 1870. UNIVERSITY OF LONDON OPENED BY THE QUEEN. 315 lady paid the highest compliments to the work, and expressed her hope that the Author would view her humble attempt witli favour, and accept a copy of the Italian version. It need not be doubted that the lady received in reply one of those beautiful letters which Grote knew so well how to compose when his correspondent was one of the gentler sex. More than one letter was exchanged between him and Madame Colonua, whose work reached us duly, and engaged Grote's attention for as long a time as lie found necessary in order to address his complimentary thanks to his fair translator. The volume reposed on liis shelves for many years without being followed by more : the lady having entered into the bonds of matrimony anew, she seems to have ceased to prosecute her work farther. This fact was communicated to us by our friend Lacaita, who had enjoyed the honour of her acquaintance formerly. To resume the chronicle of 1870. The Queen did graciously open the University of London on the eleventh of May. A grand event assuredly, regarded in its full significance in reference to educational influences, and consequent fluctuations of power among the body of the nation. The Vice-Chancellor felt animated on the occa- sion. I had caused his official gown to be smartened up with gold lace that he might figure creditably in the show, and he seemed impressed by the spectacle which the Queen's presence, associated as it was with the consummation of his long-cherished wishes — establishing this temple of know- ledge, only to be approached through studies akin to his own — offered to the mental eye as well as to the material organ of sight. After the Queen left the building, the Chancellor exercised his privilege to address the members of the University, the examiners, and those of the public who had been fortunate enough to obtain places in the theatre. He went lightly over the rise and growth of the Institution, its claims to respect, and its august mission, that of bestowing guarantees 31G PERSONAL LIFE OP GEORGE GROTE. Chap. XXXVIIL of complete proficiency in the various fields of study ; then, taking notice of the valuable services rendered by the administration in directing the system of examinations and the like, the Chancellor gave expression to his feelings of obligation to his Vice-Chancellor, in language at once appro- priate and flattering. The applause which arose when this tribute fell from the lips of the speaker encouraged Lord Granville to prolong his eulogy, to the indescribable torture of the recipient, I am constrained to add. Some of his rela- tives were present, as well as myself, and all recognised in the aspect of the Vice-Chancellor indications of suffering resignation to the infliction, not to be disguised from attentive observers. This may sound exaggerated or affected modesty, but it really was genuine. Grote had an almost morbid aversion to being praised in his presence, and many a laugh have we had in private over the ** agony " which the wicked Chancellor, on more than one occasion, caused his helpless subject to endure, at the University of London public ceremonials. For I am afraid his lordship could not plead unconscious mischief in his proceedings, but rather took a certain pride and pleasure in them, warranted, as he undoubtedly was, by a sense of personal duty towards his own officers. After the excitement of this morniug's pageant, and its sensational fatigues, George went to walk in Kensington Gardens with Professor Bain, where (I take it for granted) they talked metaphysics without a check, until the Vice- Chancellor (as I learned afterwards) found himself obliged to "take a cab" home. He was, indeed, thoroughly exhausted on that evening, as he might well be. In the course of the spring of this year, the Members of Convocation in the University of London preferred an urgent request to their respected Vice-Chancellor, through their chairman, Dr. John Storrar, that he would do them the favour of sitting for his picture ; the cost to be defrayed by their collective body, and the portrait, when finished, to be placed in the Senate Room of the new building in Burlington Gardens. 1870. PORTRAIT BY MILLAIS. 317 To this request IMr. Grote felt liimself compelled to accede, altliough with imfeigned reluctance. " To no other living man or woman," said he to me, " would I sacrifice the time needed for such a purpose, but the wishes of my graduates are all-powerful with me." Accordingly, Dr. Storrar and I undertook the selection of the painter ; and after various visits to the ateliers of artists standing high in public esteem, we made choice of Mr. John Everett Millais. That gentleman readily accepted the commission — indeed, lie told us that he had long felt anxious to make a portrait of the Historian, considering him a particularly fine subject for a painter. The picture was begun on the 3rd of May. Grote was, at first, sensibly relieved by Mr. Millais's assurances that he \\ ould only have to sit a few times — six, perhaps, at most — " for," added he, " I am a very rapid painter, and never trouble my sitters as long and as often as many of my profession do." I left London on the 1st of July, after " assisting " at the seance at Mr. Millais's house, being the fourteenth sitting at wdiich I had been present. Within a week or two afterwards, George wrote to me — "I have given three more sittings this week, and am to sit three more days next week, making twenty in all." Thus the portrait proved a tedious affair, and we half regretted having consented to give up so much time to it. Grote, nevertheless, submitted to the exigencies of the *' situation " with his wonted gentleness and courtesy, out of consideration for the artist, who, on his side, sj^ared no pains in bringing his work forward ; so that the picture was well advanced by the end of July, |)roving a good likeness, with much that was meritorious in the general treatment. After the close of the Academic Session, I had little diffi- culty in prevailing upon George to take a short holiday, for even he was free to confess that a change was expedient. " Visiting " was not to be mentioned, of course ; so we repaired to our modest farm-house quarters at Long Ben- nington (taking Miss Grote with us), on the 8th of August. 318 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. XXXVIIL The week was passed in rural repose, and we rambled over the farms, sometimes on horseback, at others bumping in a spring cart over the ruts ; George acknowledging the air of Lincolnshire to be " most refreshing," after his six months of London work. We proceeded to Chatsworth on the loth of August — that is to say, to the "Edensor Inn," hard by. Our old friend Lacaita was staying, alone with his youthful son, at Chats- worth, busy over the library concerns of the Duke of Devon- shire, according to his amiual custom. Lady Eastlake join- ing us on the same day, from London, we all profited by the good offices of Sir James Lacaita to pass our mornings, at our ease, within the walls of that palatial residence. We three ladies naturally betook ourselves to the art depart- ment, wherein our enjoyment was unbounded, the *' Liber Veritatis" of Claude Lorraine receiving our admiration above all. The Historian, meanwhile, would plant himself comfortably in the vast library, poring ujjon some rare and, even to Mm, imknown treatises of mediaeval authors, in Latin, which Lacaita would select as the very "morceaux" for his learned friend's delectation. They also took some delightful walks round Chatsworth whilst we stayed there, and the sejour seemed beneficial to Grote in all ways. Leaving this attractive place on the 17th, we drove across to Matlock Bath, whence, after a short stay, George and I paid a visit to Lord and Lady Lyveden, at their truly sylvan residence, " Farming Woods," in Northamptonshire. After this, we returned to Eidgeway, remaining there till the last days of September, when Mr. Grote wanting to go up for the Museum and University College meetings, I accompanied him to London for two or three days. Although I make but scanty reference in this memoir to events having no especial bearing on our personal course of life, it would seem impossible to pass by the shock of arms, under which the two mighty nations of France and Germany were shaken to their centre in this summer. Our time and sympathies became unavoidably absorbed by 1870. WAR BETWEEN FRANCE AND GERMANY. 319 the daily accounts of warlike conflict, whilst the conversation of our country neighbours, when we met, really had no other colour than that which " the map of France " suggested. Neither Grote nor myself could help leaning to the side of the Grerraans, who had done all in tlieir power to avoid this terrible appeal to the sword, whilst the French Government had sedulously striven to provoke it. The pause, which of necessity supervened after the fall of Sedan, excited some hope that an end of blood-shedding might be looked for. But our humane sympathies became yet more painfully affected when the war was rashly pro- longed, and it was obvious that the miseries endured by France caused the Historian extreme pain to witness. " Poor France ! " he would exclaim to himself, sometimes, when wadino; through the cruel chronicle of the slaughter. In October we went to spend a few days at Kingston Hall, with our dear friends Lord and Lady Belper. Lord Romilly was to have met us there, but the unexpected death of his worthy brother Edward, deprived us of this pleasure. \Te came back to Ridgeway, from Kingston, and passed a tranquil autumn, receiving our accustomed guests there occasionally. Again George would say, while he looked through the Times paper, " Poor France, I shall never see thee again! I could not bear to revisit her, indeed, humbled in the dust as she is." At this period my husband's general health was apparently such as to afford ground for regarding his constitution as substantially unimpaired, and for anticipating for him yet many years of life. At the same time, there ivere certain indications of a falling off in the capacity of cerebral labour : not that J\Ir. Grote's intellect showed any signs of change — quite otherwise, for it shone out as clear and comprehensive as ever when occasion arose. I would remark that the ])abit of " taking a nap," which had always been found salutary to him, became more frequently indulged in than heretofore. Passing into his study of a morning, even when he had been at work for no more than an hour or two, " to see how he 320 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. XXXVIH. was going on " (as the familiar phrase has it), I often found him asleep — sometimes sitting in his chair, but not unseldom lying on his sofa. The kind servants took notice, also, how much " the master" was given to sleep, compared with what he used to be in former years. I would now and then look over his shoulder at what he was writing,* and, penetrated with wonder at the persevering industry it displayed, would begin, " Well, my love, I do not think it surprising that you should require a nap, considering the strain upon the mental fibre which goes on within your brain. For my part, I am sure a pagie of this is enough to generate a headache in anybody else." In reply to these familiar " sallies," he would smile benignantly, as was his wont, and quietly reply, " It has been my steadfast and favourite pursuit all through my life, as you well know ; and to desist from it would be impossible, so long as I possess my intellectual faculties at least." So we lived and worked on, till on the 29th of November Mr. Grote went to London, having business at the University of London, besides which he was under an engagement to Mr. Millais to sit once more to him in the afternoon of the 30th. He did sit accordingly : Lady Eastlake being present, and contributing her judicious remarks on the portrait, now receiving the painter's final touches. The studio was exces- sively cold. George had pulled oft' his great-coat, and pre- sently felt sensibly chilled ; yet he would not complain, neither would he resume his overcoat. There he sate, the victim of his own exaggerated, complaisant acquiescence in a constructive obligation. " Why did you not saij you were chilled ? " asked I when I learned the circumstances of that ill-starred day. '' I did not like to appear to reproach IMr. Millais for letting the fire out." " Well, but there was your thick overcoat ? " — " Yes, but I did not know whether the painter might liJce me to put it on, as he was finishing the picture." * The ' Aristotle ' is here meant, of course. 1870. STATE OF HEALTH. 321 What could one do with a man so incapable of caring for himself and his own absolute necessities, when moved by consideration towards others ? Had I been present, it is super- fluous to say, all these scruples would have gone for nothing. After leaving the house he took a rapid walk in Hyde Park, in the hope of restoring the circulation. On the 1st of December, Grote came back to Bidgeway, walking up from the station in order to warm himself by exercise. He complained to me of having " caught a desperate chill" (as above narrated), and seemed "out of sorts" in consequence. Next day he was prevailed upon (not without difficulty) to keep within doors, and in the afternoon we got a hot bath ready, which he found " unspeakably comfortable." I attended him in his bath, assisting him to dress afterwards, and to put on his elastic stockings, which he always wore on account of varicose veins of long standing in the legs. I mention these details, as important with reference to the subsequent course of his case, seeing that the condition of his legs on this afternoon was unaltered from that in which I was accustomed to look upon them. After the bath, George ate his dinner with appetite, and felt rather more cheerful in the evening. On the 3rd of December, Grote pronounced himself better, having slept through the night. The weather was extremely severe, so I remained in the house, but could not persuade him to follow my wise example. The effect of exposure to the frigid air was so far hurtful to him as to produce a return of chilliness and discomfort, lasting all the evening. On the morrow he felt so languid and mentally lazy that he could do nothing except sit by the parlour-fire, reading and dozing alternately, all day ; eating no dinner, but calling for tea and coffee repeatedly, throughout the afternoon, with bread- and-butter. I note these early facts in connection with my dear hus- band's health, as showing the origin of that insidious malady which was destined ere long to undermine his physical frame : with what fatal steps is only too well known to my readers. Y 322 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. XXXVIII. On the following morning, Mr. Grote remained in bed until a late hour of the forenoon, feeling depressed and indisposed to exertion of any kind. But towards evening he grew more comfortable, and took his share in the conversation during the evening, when some neighbours dined with us, and he played whist with some of them till j)ast eleven o'clock. On the 8th of December, George went to London ; weather cold, and ground covered with snow ; thermometer 24° in morning. He said he must go and attend to his duties, and accordingly remained in town from Thursday to Saturday, 10th December, taking the coach, instead of walking to and from Gomshall ; however, on the three following days, there were no particular signs of ailment in the Historian's appear- ance or manner. He played billiards for an hour with me before dinner, and ate Avith appetite. The chill, I hoped, had passed away harmlessly. On the evening of December 13th he signiiied his intention of going up next day. I remon- strated. " Ah ! but this is an occasion urgently demanding my presence. There is Mr. Hutton's motion coming on to- morrow, and unless I am there, it is very possible he may carry it." To London, then, he repaired, and duly presided over the meeting of the Senate of the University. As the authorities have recently taken the same view of the unimportance of Greek as Mr. Hutton did, and have exempted the candidates from examination in that language at matriculation, I feel a kind of obligation to dwell upon this particular passage ; the rather, as I believe he presided over the Senate on that 14th of December for the last time, at the University. I extract from the printed minutes of the Senate, under date of December 14, 1870, the annexed entry: — " Motion made (Mr. Hutton). " That, considering the expressed intentions of the Government to establish high-class schools which shall not include any pro- vision for instruction in Greek, — and considering that the Uni- versity of London already confers Degrees in Science, which 1870. GKEEK AT THE UNIVERSITY. 323 require no further study of Greek than is needful to qualify for the Matriculation Examination, — it would be desirable in future to give Candidates for that Examination an option between Greek and English. " Question put : — Ayes. Noes. Mr. Heywood. The Vice-Chancellor. Mr. Hutton. Mr. Fowler. Sir John Lubbock. Sir Edward Ryan. Mr. Osier. Dr. Sharpey. Mr. Paget. Dr. William Smith. Dr. Storrar. Mr. Twisleton. " Motion lost." Grote dined the same evening at the house of liis friend, Dr. William Smith (the last time he dined away from home), and came back to Shiere the next day, seemingly content at having succeeded in " shelving " " friend Button's " move. The interval between the 15th of December and the 5th of January was passed at Eidgeway, with the exception of the 20th, 21st, and 22nd of December, on which days we were in Savile Row. The weather terribly cold, and Grote sensibly the worse for it, looking ill, and growing more and more out of spirits methought. Lord Romilly and his daughter, Dr. William Smith, and Professor Robertson, passed the Christmas week at the Ridgeway, during which Grote perse- veringly walked on the heath, despite of the low temperature and the snow which covered the ground — every one but he and Mr. Robertson confining their exercise to my garden walks, which were swept clear of snow for their accommo- dation. My uneasiness increased under the evident appearances of illness in my dear Historian. He would not allow me to send for Dr. Capron, alleging that " he had nothing the matter with him requiring a doctor, and that the cold was the sole cause of his feeling out of order." Yet I failed to prevent him from going out in it, and when the end of December arrived, he Y 2 324 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. XXXYIII. was so altered in looks that I could not help feeling deeply anxious. I spoke to Dr. Capron about certain signs of in- ternal derangements which I had observed, and, in conformity with his suggestions, persuaded George to drink of barley- water somewhat plentifully: more I could not accomplish. 1871. PUBLIC DUTIES. 325 CHAPTER XXXIX. 1871. On the 5tli of January, Grote again went up to London ; not, this time, to attend to any academic duty, but to go and sign warrants for dividends at the Bank of England; a whole list of which were received by the banking-house, under his authority as trustee for various individuals, under ancient relations contracted whilst a member of the firm. I was afraid to venture forth in such weather, fearing to be myself incapacitated for any useful end if I exposed my frail body to the icy blasts. The next day (the 6th) I wrote to George, regretting to be thus " embargoed," but promising, if weather should change, that I would join him ; since he had declared it imperative upon him to stay over the next Sunday, in order to head a " deputation," of members of University College, to the Duke of Argyll, about the projected Govern- ment school of engineering science. By a singular chance the weather changed, on the morn- ing of the 7th of January, from rigorous frost to a mild temperature (the one solitary fine day, be it observed, of the whole mouth !). I sent down to the railway station a tele- graphic message to my housekeeper, to announce my coming (well aware that Mr. Grote would be on duty somewhere), and set off for London by the afternoon train. Eeaching Savile Eow about half-past six p.m., I asked, " Is the master at home ? " " No, madam ; gone out ever since three o'clock." At seven o'clock George returned. " Delighted to see me," of course. " You have been to University College, I presume ? " " Yes, I have spent nearly three hours there 826 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEOEGE GROTE. Chap. XXXIX. this afternoon." " Did you walk thither ? " " Yes, and walked back also." The next day was to the last degree severe, as to tempera- ture. When the afternoon came, " H., my love ! will you not come out and take a walk ? " " Thank you very much, but I have, fortunately, still the use of my faculties, and therefore mean to stay in-doors, as I hope you will do." Not a bit of it. Off he started to Belgravia, where he paid a visit to one of our intimate friends, Mme. du Q * * * * *. At dinner, George said, with a significant smile, " Well, H., I must say you did wisely in refusing to go out to-day, for the north-easter really was enough to cut one in two, as I faced it coming home." After taking his tea, he said, *' I shall sendM. (the house- keeper, who acted as his personal attendant in Savile Eow), to get me some larger stockings to-morrow, for I find my heel is being pressed upon, uncomfortably." " If you will allow me, I will inspect your leg to-night, when we go to bed. Possibly you may need a different sort of bandage, now." At bed-time I accordingly examined the condition of his legs attentively. It was unspeakably alarming, they being both what is called "oedematous." " Why, how long have these legs been swelled as they now appear ? " "I should say about a fortnight, or rather more." " Well, but how was it you never told me of it ? " "I did not regard it as of any importance." Enough. The next morning I sent the housekeeper off, early, to a professional bandage-maker, with orders that he should be with me at ten a.m. The master- workman came in person duly. Legs examined. " Nothing for me to do here, madam ; this is a medical case." I sent forthwith a note requesting Dr. de Mussy's presence, but unfortunately he was gone to attend a patient at Dover. My best endeavours could not turn Mr. Grote from his pur- pose of going to the India Office, and (witliout caoutchouc estockings, or bandages, to support the tissues of the varicose 1871. LAST ILLNESS. 327 veins) away he went, on foot, leaving me in a state of helpless despair at his disregard of the dictates of prudence. On the following day Dr. de Mussy saw the Historian, and, after a careful investigation of the facts of his case, for- bore to pronounce any distinct opinion thereon, wishing to be furnished with further means of interpreting it. These (the matters being specified) I caused to be conveyed to the doctor, and on the third day he gave me to understand that he had reason to think that disease of the kidneys existed, to a serious extent. He attributed the actual state of his patient to the having taken that decided chill, already described, followed by repeated exposure to cold, accompanied by active exercise. As I judged it advisable to invite a second opinion, Dr. George Johnson, of Savile Row, came and examined Grote's symp- toms, and the two physicians, after consulting together, immediately commenced a course of therapeutic treatment, according to the recognised system pursued in affections of this kind. Our household was at once transferred from the Eidgeway, and all rapidly arranged for a lengthened stay in London. I pause here — uncertain how to proceed. It is doubtless incumbent upon me to complete my narrative ; at the same time my readers will be conscious how much it costs me to retrace the course of the dismal months which, at the period here indicated, lay before me. So much of it as is essential to relate, 1 must endeavour to place before them ; whilst deeply regretting ray inability to fill in my imperfect outline by noting the various forms in which the illustrious subject of it revealed, to all who ministered to him, the moral beauty of his character. In giving minute particulars of the rise and progress of this cruel malady, I ventured to assume that my readers would require to be informed of its origin, seeing how unexpectedly Mr. Grote's illness had come upon him. Having delineated (perhaps to tediousness) the preliminary symptoms, it remains for me to give an account of the 328 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEOEGE GEOTE. Chap. XXXIX. subsequent stages, and I therefore proceed. Drawing upon my Diary, I i5nd, under date of 15tb February, 1871 : — " It is now five weeks since G. has been under treatment by Dr. de Mussy. I gather from the united verdict of Drs. Johnson and De Mussy (after a consultation yesterday) that the symptoms of the disease do not augment, but rather decrease. A good deal of albumen, certainly, is parted with, but both gentlemen think we may assume that no poison yet exists in the blood." During the whole of January and February (after the 9th of January, that is to say) Grote was restricted to the occu- pation of the third floor of bis residence, which was sedulously kept warm throughout the four rooms composing it. He sat in a cheerful front room by day, in which was our billiard- table ; read and wrote, received visitors, dined, and spent the evening. When we could obtain a fourth hand, we played whist for an hour, in an adjoining room, thus changing the air for the patient. Miss Mary Grote was our inmate after the 14th of January, so that the presence of one additional player was enough for our rubber, which Grote always enjoyed. Towards the end of February he expressed a wish to be removed to the study on the ground floor, which being acceded to by the medical advisers, I had a bed placed there for him, and in the fii'st week of March he was established in his new quarters. " Ah ! now I am content, since I can look upon my books again." On the 18th of March, the weather, which had been un- ceasingly frigid, with harsh north-east winds, became mild, and the doctor gave us leave to take a drive in the close car- riage. The Historian was inexpressibly cheered by getting out of his confinement. He had been wishing to put down Dr. Holden's name for election at the Athenteum Club, so we first went thither ; then along the new Embankment (which he beheld with surprise and pleasure), and passing by the Abbey, we drove finally to Hyde Park. There he insisted on taking a walk, and we both did so for a quarter of an hour, George appearing just as firm and active on his legs as here- tofore ; after this, mightily pleased with our exercise, we 1871. DEATH. 329 returned home: Grote feeling to a certain degree revived in spirits by breathing the open air, after two months priva- tion of liberty. Alas! this experiment, succeeded as it was by another drive on the 19th of March to Hampstead, proved injurious to our patient, and Dr. de Mussy, in consequence, inhibited him from using any exercise, beyond a game or two of billiards. Up to this date I had suffered myself to be, if not sanguine as to a restoration to health, at least not altogether disheartened as to a partial recovery. The humane doctor, whilst he abstained from holding out iwsitive expectations of ultimate benefit " when warm weather should return," yet forbade me to despair of its vivifying effects in due season. In the responsible position I occupied, it became a positive duty to strive to encourage, by apparent hopefulness, the unremitting endeavours to promote " the master's " comfort and ease which our kind, faithful domestics yielded. After the month of April arrived, however, the veil fell from my eyes, of itself. To no one did I permit myself to avow the fact, but lived on, dissembling as best I might, from both friends and attendants, the fatal reality of the case ; whilst (I may be allowed to add) suffering almost incessantly from neuralgia, in my own person. On the 5th of April Mr. Grote broke through the interdict of Dr. de Mussy, and drove, in a close carriage, to the Bank of England to sign the dividend warrants as usual, seeming none the worse for it in the evening. On the 18th of April we were enabled, by the rare oc- currence of a mild morning, to take a drive in Hyde Park (after four weeks passed within doors), in the open carriage. On viewing the flowers, the green grass, and buddiug trees, Grote fell into raptures, exclaiming : " How charming is the aspect of returning spring! Look at those tulips! how brilliant they are," and so forth, as we passed along. On the 13th of May the ''orders" were again violated, and 330 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. XXXIX. Gi'ote went to the British Museum, to take part in a meeting of the Standing Committee, summoned for that afternoon. The chair that he was accustomed to occupy there, had all along been kept vacant for him, and he now resumed the seat amid the cordial salutations of his esteemed colleagues. On the 16th of May a Committee of the Senate of the University of London sat at our house in Savile Row, and was presided over by the Vice-Chancellor in person. The chief business of this day related to the examinations for the M.A. degree ; the Vice-Chancellor himself going minutely through the papers proposed to be set by the examiners in Greek and Latin classics. When we met after the committee broke up, I inquired how he had borne the fatigue of these two hours? He answered, "It certainly taxed the cerebral faculties severely." These were the concluding efforts of that noble Being, George Grote, in the path of public service. Early in the month of June a marked change suj^ervened, and at the end of three weeks his honourable, virtuous, and laborious course was closed, by a tranquil and painless death, on the morning of the 18th of June, 1871. 1871, FUNERAL IN WESTMINSTER ABBEY. 331 On tlie 20th June, the following Memorial was prepared by *' the Club," at their meeting: — " To THE Very Key. the Dean of Westminster. " We the undersigned, considering the eminent services rendered by the late Mr. George Grote to literature and learning by his published writings, and to the cause of edu- cation by his unremitting exertions through life, earnestly request the Dean of Westminster to allow his remains the honour of sepulture within the walls of the Abbey." To this Memorial the members present attached their names, as under, — Stanhope. Eomilly. Henry Holland, Hatberley. H, d'Orleans (Due d'Aumale). S. H. Walpole. Cleveland. W. Smith. Derby. Salisbury. Eobert Lowe. Henry Keeve. The signatures of the Duke of Devonshire (ex-Chancellor of the University of London), of Edward Sabine, P.R,S., and Earl Granville, were added afterwards. Dean Stanley granting the permission asked, the funeral took place accordingly, on the 24th of June. The annexed account of the ceremonial, which is substan- tially a correct one, appeared in the Morning Post newspaper of the 26th of June, 1871 :— " The remains of the illustrious author of ' The History of Greece' were removed from his residence in Savile Row on Saturday morning, to be interred within tbo walls of Westminster Abbey, The funeral cortege left the house at half-past eleven a.m,, and proceeded by New Buidington Street, Regent Street, Waterloo Place, and Charing Cross direct to the Abbey. The chief mourners, occupying the first mourning coach, were : Mr. Joscpli, Mr. Arthiu: and Mr. Andi'ew Grote, and the Rev. Joseph Mayor. In the second carriage were Mr, Frederick Prcscott, Captain Lcwin, R.E., Mr. F, D, Lewin, and Lord Overstonc. In the third. Lord 332 PEPtSONx\L LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. XXXIX. Eomilly, Lord Belper, Sir John Trclawny, and Mr. J. Stuart Mill. In the fourth, Dr. W. Smith, Mr. Alexander Bain, Mr. John Murray, Mr. F. W. Smith, and Dr. do Mussy. " On arriving at the west entrance of the Abbey, the Earl Stanhope, the Eight Hon. Eobei-t Lowe, the Master of Balliol, Dr. Storrar, Dr. Carpenter and other friends were in attendance. In the mean time those who were not to take any prominent part in the funeral, but merely wished to testify their respect to the illustrious scholar, had been shown to seats in the choir; and among the number were the Duke of Devonshire, the Duke of Cleveland, the Earl of Derby, the Earl of Airlie, the Eight Hon. C. P. Villiers, M.P., and (as representing University College) Mr. Enfield, Mr. John Eobson, Professors Williamson, T, H. Lewis and Einger. Also Mr. Henry Eeeve, Mr. Charles Cane, Mr. Hay ward. Sir Edward Eyan, Sir John Bowring, Sir Charles Locock, Sir E. Strzelecki, the Eight Hon. Gathorne Hardy, M.P. for Oxford University, Dr. Sharpey (Vice-President of the Eoyal Society), Mr. Winterbotham, M.P., Professor Donaldson, Professor Eobertson, Dr. Sibson, Professor Fuller, Mr. Eraser, Mr. Shaen, Mr. Patey, Mr. Osier, &c, &c. On the arrival of the body at the west door (the nave being thronged by strangers), the funeral procession was formed in the order subjoined : — The Verger, Choristers, the Minor Canons, the Canons, the Sub-Deans, the Dean (escorted by their attendants). The Body. The pall was borne by the following bearers : — The Earl Granville, the Earl Stanhope, Lord Overstone, Lord Belper, Lord Eomilly, the Eight Hon. Eobert Lowe, Mr. John Stuart Mill, the Master of Balliol. As the procession passed up the nave, followed by the mourners, the organ peuled forth in accompaniment to a full choral service : the portions commencing ' I am the Eesurrection ' and ' Blessed be the name of the Lord ' being chanted as the procession passed along the nave to the front of the pulpit in the triforium. The lesson was read by Archdeacon Jennings, and afterwards the body was removed to the place of interment ; the clergy and mourners proceeding along the choir to the nave and by the south aisle to the grave in Poets' Corner. The mourners having taken their position, the Very Eev. the Dean Stanley resumed the Biu-ial Service, and the choir executed, with exceeding impressiveness, the beautiful portions : ' Man that is born ' and ' Thou knowest, Lord,' as well as the grand anthem, ' His body is buried in peace.' At the conclusion the Dean delivered, in an impressive and solemn manner, the final grace. 1871. FUNERAL IN WESTMINSTER ABBEY. 333 " The body of our modern Greek Historian, and to whoso remains and memory so much respect was paid on Saturday, is deposited near to the grave of an equally illustrious historian, but of a different era, namely, that of Edward Gibbon. " The resting-place of Mr, Grote will bo foimd close to the entrance of the south transept from the south aisle. His honoured remains were enclosed in several coffins; the outer one being of polished oak, with brass fittings, and a brass plate bearing the following simple inscription : — George Grote. Born Novr. 17, 1794. Died June 18, 1871. And, near the lower end of the coffin, the words — In ceterna memoria erit Justus." 334 PERSONAL LIFE OF GEORGE GROTE. Chap. XXXIX. CONCLUSION. Amid a flood of letters, expressive of earnest condolence, which the writer acknowledges with heartfelt thanks, the following have been selected as forming a valuable supple- ment to the Biographic Sketch contained in this humble volume. The Deanery, Westminster, June 24, 1871. I have not ventured to write before the ceremony of this day was completed. But I cannot forbear to send a few words to assui-e you of the entire and crowning seal which has been placed on the noble and glorious life thus honourably closed. I selected the spot in the south transept, in what Fuller calls the " learned side " of Poets' Corner. Camden and Casaubon look down upon the grave, and Macaulay lies a few feet distant. There was enough to move the stoutest heart and strongest mind, in the sight of the mourners — genuine mourners — who stood around the open vault, philosophers, scholars, historians, friends. The Abbey was crowded. ******** To-morrow you will be with me in spu-it, in the Abbey, when I pay my o\vn last tribute of affection and respect. * * * * A. P. Stanley. June 19, 1871. The last words I heard of you, on Friday, were words of encouragement, but it was the last flash of the lamp 1 Yesterday morning I learned that all was over. Everything has been done and will be done, to mark the close of a great, useful, and glorious existence. Unless the lot of man were to be enlarged, nothing remained to be added to his Being ; and he laid it down, as he had borne it tbrough 76 years, with unabated consciousness and dignity. I confess I regard such an ending of such a life as altogether worthy of envy, rather than of regret. The regret and sorrow is all for ourselves and for you, 1871. CONCLUSION. 335 wlio have lost so great an object of affection and interest : but these may in some degree be alleviated by our love and sympathy. Ever youi's, Henet Reeve. (Extract.) Ambleside, June 20, 1871. I have dreamed so many and such long conversations with him and you (in the broken sleeps of illness) that it would feel unnatural to be entirely silent during these first days of your lone- liness. I seem to have known you always — so vivid were the details you gave me in our younger days of your early married life — of Mr. Grote's devotedness, his aspirations about his History, and of the conflict when the call came to him to turn to political life. ***** And the world of interests that uprose, afterwards ! — his great "Work, his immense benefits to the University, and the blessing he was to the new generation of young men, — all these things are deeply moving even to me, who was sure never to see him again ; * * * I cannot forget for an hour how full your heart must be. I wish I knew how your health is, that I might under- stand how far you are able to bear this last of the struggles of our strange and mysterious human life. It is a suffering life ; for myself, I long more and more for the close of it. Dear old friend, believe me, Your faithful and affectionate H. Maetineau. From a distinguished American gentleman, Mr. Charles Sumner, the following emphatic words reached the writer, not very long after her bereavement — " When the electric cable flashed across the Atlantic the news of this great loss, the whole of this vast continent vibrated with sympathy for you," And though that he was worthy, he was wise, And in his port as meek as is a maid. He never yet no vilanie ne said, In all his life, unto no manner wight. He was a very parfitt gentle knight. Chauceb. ?,3() HONOURS AND OFFICES. GEOEGE GROTE, Foreign Membeb op the French Institute, Fellow of the Royal Society, London. D.G.L. OF Oxford, and LL.D. of Cambridge, Universities. Honorary' Member of the Universities of St. Petersburg, Kharkoff, Munich, and Konigsberg. Honorary Member of the Academies of Brussels, Amster- dam, AND Turin. Honorary Member of the Historical Societies of Mas- sachusetts, OF Rhode Island, and of Philadelphia, U.S.A. Vice-Chancellor of the University of London. President of University College, London. Trustee of the British Museum. Trustee op Hunterian Museum, at Royal College of Sur- geons. Professor of Ancient History at the Royal Academy of Arts. THE END. LONDON : PEFNTED BT WILLIAM CLOWES ANP SONS, STAMFORD STREET AND CHARING CROSS. t^- c-~ DATE WT -^-4 49S&- OCT 31 SSfr^ MAR 25 WT2 974 3 UC SOUTHFR'J REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY AA 001363 102 GAYLORD r ED IN u s UNIVERSITY OF CA RIVERSIDE, LIBRARY 3 1210 02001 4278