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.
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.
Lord Grenville certain to be proposed as a candidate for the Chancellorship, and would be grateful for PE's vote and a copy of his Aristophanes. Will canvass in Oxford and then proceed to Dropmore - asks PE to canvass too.
A 4th occurrence of the King's malady. Remarks on a (quashed) bill promoting the residence of the Irish clergy, and the lack of dutifulness in the Archbishop of Canterbury (Charles Manners).
Ditto - Abbot (in fact elected) has 'practised upon CW a fraud.' Encloses a copy of a letter from Richards to Abbot (OW, Speaker of the House of Commons) dated 9th July, 1805.
(To PE in Florence.) Wife weak after a premature confinement. Brother Henry has just seen two carriages in Lyons said to belong to the Queen, but actually to the servants of Lady Bute; the Queen is probably pretending to journey to England in order to get a better settlement. Government weak -only kept in power by dislike and fear felt for their opponents.
