Item 13 - Peter Elmsley to his sister-in-law [Mary Hallowell?]

Florence. A short letter, but being sent free of charge - thinks it rude to send a short letter since the recipient has to pay the costs. Is well, and has not used his travelling medicine chest. Travelled with Hallam to Bologna via Geneva, Milan and Venice, and came on to Florence on 5th October. Treasures in library of San Lorenzo, but, like those of the Vatican, not very accessible - only open 3 hours a day, and often shut altogether. Does not expect to finish his task until Easter, but happy to have a pretext to stay in Florence. More English and Irish in Florence than in Brussels in 1816. Has met an old acquaintance - trained as an attorney, got no business, married advantageously, acquired a situation in the West Indies, and now living very smartly in Florence, at the top of society; but planning to move to Bath in the spring, where they be able to afford very little, and will be cut by the people who now court them. 'Almost anyone can be great somewhere or other.' Has south facing lodgings, and can sit in late November with the window open - wishes Michelangelo had orientated San Lorenzo the same way. Intends to go to Milan when he has finished in Florence - will probably be out of England for a year, but will certainly return after a year in Oxford publishing his findings. Asks her to sell some stocks in mid-January.