On his little left-handed nephew (Taylor) going to school going to school in Chislehurst - probably best for him to start after the holidays. He should learn French and Latin, but Greek will be wholly unnecessary, at least for some time. Has not yet seen Southey's Don Roderic (Roderick the Last of the Goths), but Bedford gives a good account of its sales - expects some fine passages, but the general story and action to be heavy and tedious. Waverley is the most entertaining novel he has read for some time.
Weather too poor for CW to travel to the country (St Mary Cray?). Southey writes seldom - CW disgusted by his public conduct in the face of a difference of opinion. The government expected to have a majority of 90 in both the Lords and the Commons on the Catholic question.
Has tried unsuccessfully to make PE a Freeholder of the County of Montgomery (thus giving him a vote there?) - Lord Chancellor Eldon's conscience has stood in the way.
Parr trying to contribute his views on the inscription (v.448f.), but CW has seen nothing of his which pleases him in either sentiment or expression. Encloses a version by Lord Grenville. Discussion of the authenticity of 'Cambrensis.' Off to the theatre to see George Barnwell (The London Merchant, or The History of George Barwell, by George Lillo), with the last scene revived, and the gallows and new drop introduced on the stage.
Yet another daughter has been born - any hope of a son must wait until another year. PE apparently did not attend the execution of one Nicholson (???). Allusion to the elevation of William Howley to be Bishop of London (inadequate to improve the lamentable deficiency of talent on the scared bench - he subsequently became Archbishop of Canterbury!). Brother Henry to marry one of Lord Carrington's daughters - described as sensible and amiable, 'though not handsome. The Carrington family gives him some consolation by showing that it is possible to have nine daughters, and finally a son.
Unable to think of way to assist PE's application to the Archbishop of Canterbury to be Speaker's Chaplain. CW a candidate for the Speakership. The Oxford parliamentary candidates. His brother having trouble getting his men to volunteer for extended service. A certain Hall has been trying to borrow money from CW with Phillimore as intermediary (who has warned him that he will not succeed) - PE may receive a similar request.
Notices and correspondence from Westminster School to parents, some directly addressed to Colin Andrew Murray's parents and others addressed to all parents. Including correspondence and notices regarding evacuation processes during the war, exams and scholarships, joining the scouts, school uniform lists, notes for parents of new pupils, accounts and bills and directions for hayfever sufferers.
Question papers from different exams. Includes, maths and geometry exams for scholarships and exhibitions in the colleges of Cambridge University, Challenge Papers for scholarships at Westminster School and Oxford and Cambridge Schools Examinaton Board exam papers for various subjects.
