On an election at Oxford for the Oxford MPs, involving Richards.
Old Westminsters
492 Catalogue Description results for Old Westminsters
Copy in CW's hand of Richards' letter to Abbot.
Arranging for books to be bound and delivered. Discussion of a Greek epigram to be inscribed on one (recording the gift of the book to a nephew, from three brothers) - Hallam has objected to one word, but CW finds the objection hypercritical and 'too Etonian.'
Perhaps 1812 - reference to Southey's article on Bell and Lancaster being amplified into a duodecimo volume (article in Quarterly Review of October 1811 republished as a pamphlet in 1812). Some\ obscure political manoeuvrings, involving the 3rd Baron Holland and the 3rd Baron Foley
Trying unsuccessfully to help PE with some contacts Iinc. Sir John Pollen? And Abel Moysey?).
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).
PE has apparently been disappointed in an amatory suit - CW advises him to persist. Asks PE's opinion of a Latin inscription drafted by Phillimore to be engraved on a 'magnificent silver vase voted to his brother (Watkin) by the county of Denbigh' - would prefer the first five lines only, but fears that the committee will opt for the (very lengthy) whole. About to go on a fortnight's yeomanry campaign in Welshpool.