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.
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.
Difficulties of reading folio volumes printed in diamond types. Can PE recommend an edition of Yerburgius' Cicero in quarto? Is there a modern one from the Clarendon Press?