Cannot answer a query of PE's, but Sir William Drummond (of the Society of Dilettanti) is in London and might help. The Society has given up a project to buy a house in which to deposit its collection. Has written a speech on Leicester's proposal for substituting trial by impeachment for trial by information in the case of Lord Melville - adds PE to reduce the length, for publication in Cobbett (Political Register?). Vaguely propose a trip to Scotland with PE and Southey.
Asks PE to call by to read some letters to do with an election (?).
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.
On the earliest use of the term 'Protestant' in an English act (the Scottish Act of 1567).
Thanks PE for letter. The elections are over.
From Barmouth, where his wife and children are enjoying the sea air and bathing. Travel arrangements for PE to come to Llangedwyn (spend the night at Oswestry, and continue after breakfast, which he supposes will finish by 1 or 2 o'clock). Asks PE to bring or send down a number of books and periodicals.
Tuesday, so perhaps 1810. Long time no hear.
Invites PE to Llangedwyn, where he shall be until Christmas, apart from 5 days in October for the Quarter Sessions and 4 days in November for the Cavalry meeting. Asks for PE's help in finding a school for his weakly son - country and sea air are desirable. A house steward has confessed to fraud and slit his throat, but will recover; though there is enough evidence to prosecute, CW is inclined not to, and instead to make him quit the country.
Is writing to a number of people, canvassing for PE. Satirical verses on the (im)moral instruction of William Carey (OW, HM).
On his little left-handed nephew (Taylor) going to school going to school in Chislehurst - probably best for him to start after the holidays. He should learn French and Latin, but Greek will be wholly unnecessary, at least for some time. Has not yet seen Southey's Don Roderic (Roderick the Last of the Goths), but Bedford gives a good account of its sales - expects some fine passages, but the general story and action to be heavy and tedious. Waverley is the most entertaining novel he has read for some time.