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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.

To PE at Hotel de Flandre in Brussels (v. 309). Has seen some of PE's letters to Mrs Elmsley - comments on the prison at Ghent (v. 301), and asks if it is similar to Jeremy and Samuel Bentham's panopticon; the Penitentiary House at Millbank (first prisoners admitted on 26th June, 1816) built on same principles. Comments on Ghent cathedral, and on PE's view of the people. Wynn has had a son. News of his mother and brother.

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).

Letter delivered by Chantrey (Sir Francis Leggatt? - sculptor), by which Bedford hopes to introduce him to PE. Idle news of friends.

PE at Waddon in Surrey, so Bedford propose to visit him and his sister-in-law. Wynn's wife is pregnant.

PE to stay with Bedford - Herries send a card of invitation. Phidias Chauntrey (presumably Chantry - v.369) to be present.

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.

Henry - glad to hear of PE's return to England. Domestic (servant with uterine cancer) and work problems for both him and his brother (who also appears to have strained something around his groin - 'somewhere, as sailors say, between wind and water') prevent a trip to Dover. Invites PE to stay in 10 days time. PE seems to have asked for help in obtaining a sextant. G.C. - can only ride gently because of his injury (which is not too bad - no danger of needing to carry his aidoia - Greek = genitalia - in a wheelbarrow).

Has been promoted. Has not ridden for some time in order to rest his groin, but hopes to be able to wear tight pantaloons before the London season.

Recommends a doctor.