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Old Westminsters
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Charles Watkin Williams-Wynn to Peter Elmsley

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.

Charles Watkin Williams-Wynn to Peter Elmsley

(to PE in Rome.) Impending marriage of elder brother to Lady Harriet (Henrietta) Clive - should wean his brother from unsuitable pursuits. News of Southey's literary activities. Reform and revolution in the air, a consequence of the peace. Perhaps PE can buy him some books and alabaster lamps - but he cannot afford a great deal, so talks of ways of reducing the value entered at the Custom House. A number of politicians apparently to remain in Italy on health grounds, but are needed at home because of 'the present distress and popular outcry in London.' Concerned that PE might remain a second year abroad - a reference to the Bampton Lecture (PE never did this), and what PE owes to his profession and reputation. His own financial difficulties - his income derives from land, and farmers are in a bad way - a farm let last year for

Charles Watkin Williams-Wynn to Peter Elmsley

PE agrees with him on the Irish question - the British have been indolent, preferring to persecute Popery rather than encourage Protestantism. Angry about the policy in India - a military martinet has caused a mutiny, and therefore missionaries are to be recalled, lest the growth of Christianity 'should offend our miserable slaves in that country.' PE has sent an account of Sir Richard Musgrave's flagellation of a Whiteboy (RM was an extreme Irish Protestant). CW counters with an account of how RM's wife (Lady Deborah Cavendish), long apart from her husband but nonetheless pregnant, arranged for her husband to get drunk, spent the night in his arms, had her maid and other witnesses enter the room in the morning, then turned the bedpan (?) over on his head lest he doubt the truth of her visit and returned swiftly to England. Irish Catholics should get equality in all civil and military offices. The Irish language should be used in church services to encourage Protestantism (a similar use of Welsh during the Reformation had a positive effect in Wales). The soon-to-be Prince Regent said to be delighted on reading of the death of Dr. John Willis (1807-12-08 - he was George III's physician).

Charles Watkin Williams-Wynn to Peter Elmsley

The Covent Garden fire of 21st September - has heard that Mackinley's bookbinders has been affected, and fears that some mss. of his brother may have been lost (inc. the White Book of Hergest?). Asks PE to buy some books at Lackington's bookstore (inc. a 3rd and 4th folio). Would like to write about Walter Scott's 'false heraldry,' but has been required by Lord Hawkesbury to write on local militia.

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