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 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.
Asks for bed, board and stabling at start of journey to Petersburgh (?). If PE replies to Stafford Row rather than the Exchequer, he is not to mention the topic which has occupied his recent letter, since Bedford cannot guarantee that the letter will not be read by others. Someone (the king?) has been suffering from intestinal gas.
Trying to propose a visit and a time for it (plus a projected trip to Knowle Park). Regards to PE's mother and Mrs John Elmsley, and good wishes to the 'little angels.'
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.
Urges PE to come to town to view the Duke of Grafton's library prior to its auction by George Nicol (the Nicol who has been visiting PE with Bedford? - v.355 et al.). This would enable Bedford to escape a concert to which he has been invited - or if PE would bring silk stockings, he could come too.
