Little to add since his last since he is still slowly recovering - as they to say at Westminster, ex nihilo nil fit. Has been dosed with Peruvian bark (quinine) and henbane. Repeats the story of Dodswell (actually Dowdeswell - see 6). Asks how JB is paid after the abolition of tithes (see 4). On hot topics in town, including the fraud of Captain Richardson on Coutts. Increase in crime - the lower orders now settle their differences with knives rather than fists. Hopes that Liddell will restore the fortunes of Westminster. Remembers the many holidays at Westminster - three weekly half days, saints' days, full plays - a miracle that a good scholar ever emerged.
Opens the correspondence. There has been a breakdown of relations between HMC and JB (of unspecified length, but possibly 50 years ago - last meeting ca. 1820) through HMC's misunderstanding of an act of JB's, but HMC is now satisfied that no offence was meaned. Ill health in ca.1820 led him to holiday and then buy a property on Mont St. Michel - compelled to sell this last year because of the 2 cataracts which have blinded him. Also a property in Foret Montier. Quote from Hor.C.2.14, Hor.C.3.6. News of his own family. His epitaph which he has composed. Recalls Vincent's epitaph for Albany Wallis (OW). Used to attend Abbey services, where Howel Holland Edwards (schoolfellow) is a prebend. School much reduced (only 100 pupils, cf. Eton's 800). Refers to the monuments of Edward Smedley, Vincent and Busby. All the old trees have been removed from Dean's Yard. Tothill Fields have been built over (a town with squares and gardens) from Millbank to the Floodgates. Wishes to be remembered to some (university?) friends.
Opens the correspondence. There has been a breakdown of relations between HMC and JB (of unspecified length, but possibly 50 years ago - last meeting ca. 1820) through HMC's misunderstanding of an act of JB's, but HMC is now satisfied that no offence was meaned. Ill health in ca.1820 led him to holiday and then buy a property on Mont St. Michel - compelled to sell this last year because of the 2 cataracts which have blinded him. Also a property in Foret Montier. Quote from Hor.C.2.14, Hor.C.3.6. News of his own family. His epitaph which he has composed. Recalls Vincent's epitaph for Albany Wallis (OW). Used to attend Abbey services, where Howel Holland Edwards (schoolfellow) is a prebend. School much reduced (only 100 pupils, cf. Eton's 800). Refers to the monuments of Edward Smedley, Vincent and Busby. All the old trees have been removed from Dean's Yard. Tothill Fields have been built over (a town with squares and gardens) from Millbank to the Floodgates. Wishes to be remembered to some (university?) friends.
