Asks PE to buy Ritson's Songs, vellum or Morocco - a present for a lady - together with last three volumes of Madame (de) Genlis' Petits Romans. Southey's brother dismissed from his ship by court martial - but officer who replaced him lost his life in action.
Cannot answer a query of PE's, but Sir William Drummond (of the Society of Dilettanti) is in London and might help. The Society has given up a project to buy a house in which to deposit its collection. Has written a speech on Leicester's proposal for substituting trial by impeachment for trial by information in the case of Lord Melville - adds PE to reduce the length, for publication in Cobbett (Political Register?). Vaguely propose a trip to Scotland with PE and Southey.
Thanks PE for his epitaphs (v.414) - asks for advice on coats of arms for the picture. Of politics - so little ability on either side, and so much arrogance, that he wishes to stay away.
From Barmouth, where his wife and children are enjoying the sea air and bathing. Travel arrangements for PE to come to Llangedwyn (spend the night at Oswestry, and continue after breakfast, which he supposes will finish by 1 or 2 o'clock). Asks PE to bring or send down a number of books and periodicals.
Is concerned about Bedford's reaction to the death of his brother (v.329-331), and asks PE to give him spiritual guidance; he fears that Bedford is a sceptic in matters of religion (he has been reading Voltaire for years, and has a vain and weak mind). Now off for ten days soldiering.