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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.

His wife is a fortnight overdue - has been drawing a vignette of Michael Scott's grave from the Lay of the Last Minstrel, and CW asks PE's opinion of a Latin epitaph he has composed for his wife to inscribe on the tombstone. Is learning Welsh.

Thanks PE for his epitaphs (v.414) - asks for advice on coats of arms for the picture. Of politics - so little ability on either side, and so much arrogance, that he wishes to stay away.

George Bremner seeks admission to the Charterhouse Hospital as a pensioner. John Elmsley (d.1805) had been appointed Chief Justice of Upper Canada through a connection with the Home Secretary, the Duke of Portland (a governor of Charterhouse). Bremner (presumably known to John) asks PE, as brother of John, to recommend him to the Duke (currently PM).

Wynn (CWW - OW - and co-author with Southey and Bedford of The Flagellant) has had a second daughter - Bedford (not a family man) wishes to send him a mould for a son, bemoaning the probably wasted expense of rearing daughters. Southey is in town - proposes a joint visit to St Mary Cray.

Has not yet been able to leave his parents for a single day. But hopes to visit PE with Southey.

Unable to organise means of travel to come and stay with PE. Love to the ladies and the 'bratlets.'