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.
On canvassing on PE's behalf in an election (v.440f). A (modern) pencilled note on the back claims this election concerned the preachership of Gray's Inn - this is incorrect (the Gray's Inn preachership changed in 1811 and 1815), but in 1812 William Van Mildert was elected to the preachership of Lincoln's Inn.
On canvassing on PE's behalf in an election (v.440f).Lord Grenville has successfully written to Burton (?), so PE should go and leave his card at Camelford House (Lord G's residence in Park Lane).
On canvassing on PE's behalf in an election (v.440f). Hopes PE's ankle will allow him to come to town, since he ought to be whipping in his votes. Hears that the Edinburgh Review is about to close, since Jeffrey, Brougham and Horner are too busy with the law to spare time. If true, this will boost the Quarterly Review.
Bigge has seen a Dr Holland - all are united on the sort of exercise PE should take, and also that he should not go to Paris. Has been to Waddon and heard that PE has enquired about a horse - strongly urges the risks of this, and to allow him and Bigge to purchase a chaise instead. (Note from Wynn - supports Bedford in every detail.)