J.J. Conybeare on reasons for not entering the election for Public Orator. Congratulate PE on Alban Hall, and hopes he will not now be above gossip. Has written to the Dean of Ch Ch explaining his feelings about the Public Oratorship.
P B Duncan (subsequently Keeper of the Ashmolean) to PE in Florence. Asks after some statuary ordered by William Sotheby, and also some ordered by himself. News from Oxford (no gas lighting yet). Publishing news (inc. John Murray) - Byron's Don Giovanni too caustic to print. Society gossip (inc. Lord Erskine, Lord Chancellor, eloped with his 2nd wife and former housekeeper and mistress to Gretna Green, disguised as an old woman).
Boisonade looks for a comment on (a ms. of?) the Anecdota, and argues that later Greek authors, while not comparable to the classical greats, are still worthy of study. Cf. l.70 above.
R Finch (Balliol, antiquary, widely travelled in Europe and Holy Land, resident in Rome) in Pisa to PE in Naples. Hasn't written because of an eye complaint. Congratulates PE on his appointment re the Herculaneum mss., though regrets that Sophocles will have to be laid aside. Hints that Lord Spencer was closely watched in Florence in case he removed anything. Remarks on the English party scene in Florence. Horsfall p476.
