Mrs. Botta had talent in various directions. She published a large book, _The Hand Book of Universal Literature_, once used at Harvard and other colleges, and hoped to prepare one of similar style on _Universal History_. She also wrote a small volume of poems, but her days were given to the needs of others. Only a few mornings were we able to work on her _Universal History_. There were too many calls for advice, sympathy, or aid; the door-bell rang too often. I heard a young girl once say of her: "She is great enough to have been an inspired prophetess of olden times, and tender enough to have been the mother of our Dear Saviour." Such were the words of impassioned praise that fell from the lips of a young, motherless, Roman Catholic girl, one of the many whom Mrs. Botta had taught and befriended. Once, when reading to Mrs. Botta in connection with her "History," a man called to see her about getting material for her biography. To my surprise, she waved her hand to me saying, "This young lady is to be my biographer." As I felt entirely unable to attempt such a work I told her it should be made up of letters from a host of friends who had known her so well and so long. This pleased her, and after her death her husband wrote me urging me to edit such a composite picture, but knowing his superior fitness for the work, I thanked him for the compliment, but declined. What a delightful result was accomplished by his good judgment, literary skill, and the biographical notes gladly given by her intimate friends. I will give a few quotations from the tributes: To me--as to others--her conversation was singularly inspiring; it suggested to a man his best trains of thought; it developed in him the best he had; it made him think better of himself and of mankind; it sent him away stronger for all good work. She seemed to me capable of worshipping in equal fervour with Roman Catholics or with Unitarians--in a cathedral or in a hovel; and this religious spirit of hers shone out in her life and in her countenance. Very pleasant was her optimism; she looked about her in this world without distrust, and beyond her into the next world without fear. She had a delightful sense of humour--so sweet, so delicate, so vivid. She had a gift of appreciation which I have never seen surpassed. If Mrs. Botta found more in society than most persons do, it was because she carried more there. Horace Greeley once said to me, "Anne Lynch is the best woman that God ever made." Few women known to me have had greater grace or ease in the entertainment of strangers, while in her more private intercourse, her frank, intelligent, courteous ways won her the warmest and most desirable friendships.