Written phonetically as with a cold in the nose. Advises PE not to use a handkerchief he left when playing cards a week ago. People poking their noses into Lord Melville's private affairs (last person to be impeached in the UK, in this year).
PE's mother's health is precarious, so Bedford worries when he doesn't hear from him. Is weak and at home having been bled. Family news - 'Horace is at the Museum and makes his own tea there.'
Travelling north to Keswick. Has written so much trash to his brother that he could not bring himself to write the same to PE - will collude with Southey to find interesting material. Has heard unfavourable news of Horace (who actually died the day before this letter). PE has made an (unspecified) offer - brother Henry to meet and discuss it. Staying with the Cunliffes at Acton Park (Wrexham) - apparently also visiting Sir Watkin Williams-Wynn (OW - elder brother of CWW v. 327)) at Wynnstay.
Request from Wynn (v. 327 or 329) to buy some books from Lackington's catalogue, inc. Moll Flanders and some folios of Shakespeare - aks PE to do this, as he is confined to the house by ill health.
An article by PE for the Quarterly Review will appear in the issue after next. The member for Montgomeryshire (Charles Williams-Wynn) has sent Bedford some grouse.
Has forwarded a Euripides to PE. Irish political gossip. Grice as a plural of grouse.
Asks PE to call - his father has died.
Encloses a letter from Gifford.
Regrets that PE was unable to dine with Southey - it was the only day Southey could manage on his return from the Netherlands. Description of the company. He has been discreet on the two matters alluded to in PE's letter.
To PE staying with Sir Benjamin Hallowell (v. 347). Has forwarded by way of loan two volumes of the Dictionnaire de Treize Departements (guide to the Austrian Netherlands), plus a map - to enable PE to travel by his fireside before he departs. Discussion of Brussels' booksellers.