Celebrated his birthday (16th December) on the 17th - more suited to gaiety than the Sabbath. Cannot stand novels. Has just read the life of the actor John Bannister, who used to join the boys for fencing tuition under Angelo, and afterwards for beefsteak and porter at Mother Dawson's (see 31). The Play (was to have been The Andria) will not happen this year because of the death of the Queen Dowager (Adelaide, widow of William IV).

Adding his name to JB's in the petition to the Dean of Westminster (Buckland) not to cancel the Latin Play, appreciated as much by town boys as by the scholars (who did the actual acting). (Both HMC and JB appear in the petition A0019/D3FK7.) Quote from Terence Eunuchus. In relation to this asks for address of Thomas Trebeck. Desirable for schools to employ only old boys, in order that frivolous but harmless traditions can be maintained - e.g. Liddell, educated at Charterhouse, has been trying to stop or at least control the Greaze. Pulteney (see 24) visits often, but this will stop for a while as he is visiting a son who has a rich living in Lincolnshire and hunts and shoots - quote from The Chase by William Somerville. Has been reading a Life of Watson, Bishop of LLandaff, father of a KS of 1777 (not so, according to the Record), and also the reminiscences of their fencing coach, Henry Angelo (in a room in Dean's Yard rented from William Pierce, teacher of book-keeping and arithmetic).

Both he and Bull have separately lost an old friend - hence the break in correspondence. Does not expect a list of those supporting the revival of the Play to be published (see 29). On the question of establishing diplomatic relations with the Vatican - had any attempt been made during the reign of George III to introduce a Rothschild or a Roman Catholic into parliament, he would have gone mad much sooner. On Spike Island (see 24) and problems in Ireland - ministers see difficulties arising from arming and fortifying the island and increasing the number of warships stationed there. Increasing violence of the lower orders. Extension of rail network enables more farmers to send produce to London. Mentions Angelo's Reminiscences again (see 29) - he goes to eat beefsteaks at Mother Dawson's (a nearby cookshop in Dean's Yard) between school hours.