Item 53 - Grosvenor Charles Bedford to Peter Elmsley

To PE in Rome. PE has complained to Henry Berens that Bedford has not written, and he apologises. Napoleon bound as fast to his rock (St Helena) as ever Prometheus was. Long account of the attack on the Prince Regent's coach in St James' Park as he returned from the state opening of parliament in the House of Lords (28th January) - was the glass broken by a stone or a pellet from an air gun? Lord James Murray, present in the coach and a Gentleman of the Bedchamber, claimed that it was bullets. Wry discussion of which politicians believe what. The prince has responded boldly by riding openly through the streets attended by only one servant. Talk of friends - he was with the Robertses when their carriage overturned, and was thrown by his horse when he rode to enquire after Mrs Roberts' health. Henry Hunt is to hold another meeting at Spa Fields on 10th February - Bedford may have to be present in a red jacket. The winter is very mild - Southey reports primroses flowering at Keswick on Xmas Day. (Letter continued on 9th February.) (Charles) Wynn has just called - traces of political feelings and anxieties on his face - discussion of why Wynn is too good and honest to be a politician. His elder brother Sir William has just married - it seems a proper match, but Bedford wishes it had happened before Charles had provided an heir to the title. Off to Spa Fields tomorrow - he thinks it will pass off quietly, but he might be killed. (Letter continued on 11th February.) Not killed! Quote from Molieres (if the king should give me all power, on condition that I forsake my island, I should refuse).