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PE's mother's health is precarious, so Bedford worries when he doesn't hear from him. Is weak and at home having been bled. Family news - 'Horace is at the Museum and makes his own tea there.'

PE thinking of priesthood - advises against Canterbury because of the danger of invasion and the plague of troops - Oxford or Cambridge the only provincial situations which would thoroughly suit PE.

Travelling north to Keswick. Has written so much trash to his brother that he could not bring himself to write the same to PE - will collude with Southey to find interesting material. Has heard unfavourable news of Horace (who actually died the day before this letter). PE has made an (unspecified) offer - brother Henry to meet and discuss it. Staying with the Cunliffes at Acton Park (Wrexham) - apparently also visiting Sir Watkin Williams-Wynn (OW - elder brother of CWW v. 327)) at Wynnstay.

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.

Back in London (Brompton) - talks of his own and his parents' grief over the death of Horace.

Ongoing grief, especially of his father.

Various arrangements to meet PE, either in St Mary Cray or in town - parents to be fragile.

Encloses letter from Southey. PE has asked what he should think about the attack on Copenhagen (part of Napoleon's coalition). CW is against, and thinks the British should rather bolster the Portuguese by placing a squadron in the Tagus and thus deter a French invasion (Portugal is closer to Ireland). The Protestant majority to propose measures of concession to the Catholics - otherwise, according to the Primate, Ireland cannot be saved. Asks PE if he knows the identity of 'Peter Plymley' (letters ridiculing the opposition of country clergy to catholic emancipation - by Sydney Smith). Thanks PE for his account of Bedford (v.406) - 'he must be worked upon by feeling, for he has not solidity enough to weigh an argument.'

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).

Southey has asked him to assist Duppa's views (opinions or paintings?) at the British Museum, but he feels diffident. Has heard that Peter Plymley is Sydney Smith (v.411). Cabinet split on the question of Catholic emancipation.