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.
Suggesting that PE comes to Llangedwin with Southey. Has done his soldiering, and is going to Barmouth for the sea bathing. Concerns about Bedford - his ill-health, and the advisability or otherwise of his taking holidays from the Exchequer - an enforced retirement might ensue.
A friend has claimed that Cambridge has produced more great men than Oxford (with the exception of statesmen). Asks for PE's thoughts on lists of men from both universities - should he continue the contest, or sound a retreat and declare that the great men were a result of circumstances independent of the particular systems of education?
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.
Chained to his desk by the deliberations of Parliament. Of his six weeks vacation, two are promised to another friend, and he will spend three weeks at the seaside with Henry (presumably his brother). May, but probably not, pay a flying visit to Southey (300 miles is too far). Excuses for failing to write. Will really send the book by Barre Roberts (can this be the copy of 357?). Has bought a horse, apparently kept with the Light Horse Volunteers.
Thanks PE for his account of the school in Chislehurst - asks him to get particulars of terms, and also whether they can provide satisfactory care for a sickly child (v.445).
About to be snowed in. The Chislehurst school (v.445) has apparently asked for some sort of reference - he reluctantly agrees, thinking a guarantee of payment should be sufficient. Roderick has pleased him more than he thought (v.446) - despite some pedantry, the story maintains its interest. Detailed comments on Waverley. French quotation from a letter to Henry from the Prince de Ligue, on current European politicks - 'good enough' for a man of near 90.