About to be snowed in. The Chislehurst school (v.445) has apparently asked for some sort of reference - he reluctantly agrees, thinking a guarantee of payment should be sufficient. Roderick has pleased him more than he thought (v.446) - despite some pedantry, the story maintains its interest. Detailed comments on Waverley. French quotation from a letter to Henry from the Prince de Ligue, on current European politicks - 'good enough' for a man of near 90.
Congratulates PE on 'the prospect of the desired termination to the affair which has so long engaged him' (v.448). Offers the final version of the inscription for the vase (as revised by Lord G. - Grenville?).
Appears to have secured Howard's vote in PE's favour, but this must remain secret for the time being. Canvassing others, inc. Phillimore and William Ord (?). Wife about to give birth.
Corrects PE - the House of Lords CAN commit its own members for contempt - a necessary power for any public assembly, though rarely used. Lord Grenville recovering, and will attend the Encaenia.
A friend has claimed that Cambridge has produced more great men than Oxford (with the exception of statesmen). Asks for PE's thoughts on lists of men from both universities - should he continue the contest, or sound a retreat and declare that the great men were a result of circumstances independent of the particular systems of education?
Thanks PE for his account of the school in Chislehurst - asks him to get particulars of terms, and also whether they can provide satisfactory care for a sickly child (v.445).
