PE less sanguine than he was in November (v.449) - CW advises him to explain himself clearly and unreservedly, preferably to the lady herself, but failing that to her father. Poor news from Wales on CW's prospects and means of living - but at least he receives some proportion of his rents, whereas many Irish landowners receive nothing, their tenantry having abandoned their houses and farms.
PE has consulted a female friend about his love affair, who has recommended that he propose via an intermediary. CW (and his wife) strongly disagree, 'though recognising that PE is nervous of losing a pleasant and easy intercourse. His wife still suffering the consequences of her 'misfortune' (miscarriage?). CW's immediate plans (including a fortnight's exercise with his cavalry) preclude organising a visit from PE. Recommends that PE accepts one of the select preacherships at Oxford as well as the Bampton lectureship in order to prove that he has followed the studies of his profession (as well as those horribly pagan and idolatrous ones which are still pursued at Westminster and Eton).
(To PE in Florence.) Wife weak after a premature confinement. Brother Henry has just seen two carriages in Lyons said to belong to the Queen, but actually to the servants of Lady Bute; the Queen is probably pretending to journey to England in order to get a better settlement. Government weak -only kept in power by dislike and fear felt for their opponents.
Encloses letter from Southey. PE has asked what he should think about the attack on Copenhagen (part of Napoleon's coalition). CW is against, and thinks the British should rather bolster the Portuguese by placing a squadron in the Tagus and thus deter a French invasion (Portugal is closer to Ireland). The Protestant majority to propose measures of concession to the Catholics - otherwise, according to the Primate, Ireland cannot be saved. Asks PE if he knows the identity of 'Peter Plymley' (letters ridiculing the opposition of country clergy to catholic emancipation - by Sydney Smith). Thanks PE for his account of Bedford (v.406) - 'he must be worked upon by feeling, for he has not solidity enough to weigh an argument.'
Half a letter only. No statesman was allowed to rise to individual and personal prominence under Elizabeth, William 3rd or Oliver Cromwell. Re military merit, England seems to have possessed more good officers than any other country except Spain, but he does not see any particular proof of superiority of talent - it is just that the battles they fought were more important in their consequences and therefore more celebrated. Raleigh, however, was in almost every respect above his age and would have shone in any profession or situation.
Asks PE's opinion of an inscription to go on a newly completed building. Also asks him to pop into the house in Duke Street, and gather and forward sundry genealogical papers concerning the Williams Wynn family.
