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On a particularly bad attack of indigestion. Received 2 tickets to the Phormio, which he gave to his doctor and his amanuensis. The Epilogue, a satire on the Chartists of the day, was received with much applause - will be published in The Times on the 19th. The last time he and JB saw the play was in 1779 - 2 lead characters, Dickens and Kelly, went to Oxford the following spring. Quotes a line referring to a set of gamblers known as blacklegs. Refers to Welch's List of the Scholars of Westminster School. Does JB exercise on horseback or on shanks' pony, as their schoolboy expression had it (NB very early use of this phrase)?

Remedies against cholera. Smith O'Brien condemned to death, but widely thought this will be commuted to banishment for life, under the pretence of royal clemency, but in fact to protect the jury; the foreman has received a threatening letter.

On the family of Charles Trevelyon, a civil servant recently knighted for services in Ireland - son of George Trevelyon, an old friend of HMC and JB.

Recalls his first meeting with JB 70 years ago in 1778 (actually 1779 according to the Record), when he entered Mother Clapham's house; describes his feelings of apprehension. The elm trees in Dean's yard have been cut down to widen the carriageway between the entrance and the Deanery; he does not approve. Likewise, the screens separating choir from aisles in the Abbey have been removed to enable a larger congregation to sit in Poets' Corner - pointless, since one can neither see nor hear from that position. The Irish rebellion is reviving in the wake of the potato famine. Wonders whether JB took up his living in 1786 or 1787 (1797 according to the Record). Commercial benefits of the railroads - but they have spoiled the countryside. The sale at Stowe (see 49) is raising large sums - but a drop in the ocean compared with the 2 million pounds the duke is said to owe. He borrowed £20,000 just to entertain the Queen. Suspects that at the upcoming trial of Smith O'Brien his counsel will plead insanity, which the government will accept to avoid further trouble.

On the need to relieve the potato famine in Ireland, and the recent arrest of some armed rebels in London. On the universal appeal of the novel Gil Blas, whereas e.g. Tom Jones can only appeal to the English. Has been reading Walpole's Anecdotes.

On pleas for clemency after the conviction of Smith O'Brien. Bakers have used poor weather to increase the price of bread (which in France is regulated by the government). The situation now calmer in Paris, but its appearance has changed - trees cut down to make barricades, and the streets deserted (cf. the streets of London - see e.g. 46). On the sale of the contents of Stowe House, following the bankruptcy of the 2nd Duke of Buckingham.

Quotes a golden line from Ovid's Metamorphoses, and explains it. Government spies have anticipated and foiled a Chartist plot to burn the Bank. On atrocities committed by the mob in Paris - the spirits of insurrection in England are checked though not extinguished; he wonders, however, if measures in England are too lenient, whereas the Irish will be infuriated by John Mitchel being sentenced to 14 years' transportation. On the supply and price of various foods. On refugees from poverty or rebellion, both from Ireland and from the continent, crowding the streets of London and raising the poor rates.

Invites JB to stay - discusses his wine cellar and his lack of faith in wine merchants. Recalls how he and JB visited the aftermath of the Gordon Riots in 1780 - present times are even more dangerous, though outbreaks are repressed by the military and special constables. Ireland in rebellion from north to south. Disturbers of the peace in Paris have sent emissaries to other European cities to stir up trouble.

Two remedies (with recipes) to cure loss of appetite and want of sleep. The school has been sent home because of a fever - Dean Buckland, fancying himself a chemist, devised a remedy (which only combated bad smells), but has succumbed himself. London full of foreigners fleeing the troubles in Europe - they need less to live on, and so native workers are priced out of employment.

Has now heard from JB. On the anniversary of a (dining?) club of the 1780s, based on membership of the Western Hunt. JB's son now posted to Charlemont Fort, a spot much more agreeable (and protestant) than any in the south of Ireland. The curate of 22 has clearly not been wholly satisfactory - repeats many of the details of 22. The only exercise he takes is walking up and down the dining room, supported by a rope on one side and his wife on the other. On the exorbitant price of food (except bread). On a wealthy farmer friend with an income of £5,000pa. For light relief recommends some recollections about Napoleon and an account of the last twenty years of the 18th century in England. Repeats story of Liddell's appointment as tutor to the Prince of Wales (see 41) - he may thus look forward to York or Canterbury, like Markham.