[1]

My dear Mother,

I am very sorry that you should be troubled about the autobiography. I have not yet read it in print nor have I seen L. Stephen's letters. I will do so and consider the question well. I feel in a difficulty about it; the autobiography was left specially to me and I am primarily responsible for any use that is made of it. I can hardly consent to any to the course which seems to be distinctly lowering to Father's memory and to imply that his some his opinions on such a subject as religious and not bear publication without hurting his reputation.

It is difficult for me

[1v]

Fully to enter into your feelings as I feel to come so clearly but nothing that can be said ever touch his character.

Of course to "Record" he may choose may use harsh language; & to Saturday Review & hear the criticism of such paper as to respectable means explanation would be that such arguments are quite inadequate on which to base unbelief and this would naturally conclude that to publication of such reasons could would in to whole strengthen Character religious belief.

[2]

Well this seems to be not a a matter to be much considered by us.

If one is writing the life if such a man and especially making use of his autobiography it is not treating honorably

Either believers or unbeliever to keep back his opinions on such a subject however much this may have the appearance of sketchiness and I think such a man should judging by the letters to 3 or 4 [illeg]allowed to say what he thinks in his should [illeg] see how a paraphrase of Franks will satisfy

[2v]

Either side.

It seems a pity this subject was not considered fully sooner. I quite understand that 6 months ago you [illeg] only objected to to an sentence about the "Damnable Doctrine" and perhaps one or two other strong adjectives.

I can easily understand your opinion changing, well I cannot help bullies turn it as Hen—informed I suspect by Richd [Litchfield] who is trying to carry out her object through you.

3

I must say [illeg] & think that it is a great pity she should do this. instead of writing direct to us.

I quite feel that your individual feelings should be treated with the utmost consideration, even to the extent of stopping the publication of the life entirely.