Unable to think of way to assist PE's application to the Archbishop of Canterbury to be Speaker's Chaplain. CW a candidate for the Speakership. The Oxford parliamentary candidates. His brother having trouble getting his men to volunteer for extended service. A certain Hall has been trying to borrow money from CW with Phillimore as intermediary (who has warned him that he will not succeed) - PE may receive a similar request.
Yet another daughter has been born - any hope of a son must wait until another year. PE apparently did not attend the execution of one Nicholson (???). Allusion to the elevation of William Howley to be Bishop of London (inadequate to improve the lamentable deficiency of talent on the scared bench - he subsequently became Archbishop of Canterbury!). Brother Henry to marry one of Lord Carrington's daughters - described as sensible and amiable, 'though not handsome. The Carrington family gives him some consolation by showing that it is possible to have nine daughters, and finally a son.
To PE in Rome. Since PE left his house on 16th May he has received only one letter from Florence, dated 9th November 1816. (Richard?) Heber has asked that PE should search for a long-lost ms. of Porphyry in the Vatican or Laurentian Library. Has returned to Wales early for the Easter holidays, partly to see his wife and children (whom he had left behind through lack of funds - poor rental income), and partly because he cannot bear to support the current inefficient administration (yet he finds the opposition even worse). Reluctantly accepts the revival of the Sedition Bill and the suspension of Habeas Corpus, in view of nationwide riots. Southey in a vituperative public row after the publication of Wat Tyler: A Dramatic Poem. David Hughes, Principal of Jesus College, very soon after his marriage, became melancholy and shot himself. Possible successors - it will probably be Foulkes, no scholar but very worthy and gentlemanlike (he turned out to be the longest-serving principal of the college). Has not seen his brother since his wedding (on 4th February), but will meet him and his bride on the morrow. Phillimore (Joseph) has succeeded Horner as MP for St Mawes. Inflationary pressures across the country - the poor rates in particular are causing land to be left uncultivated. The printing of paper money, without real capital behind it.
Parr trying to contribute his views on the inscription (v.448f.), but CW has seen nothing of his which pleases him in either sentiment or expression. Encloses a version by Lord Grenville. Discussion of the authenticity of 'Cambrensis.' Off to the theatre to see George Barnwell (The London Merchant, or The History of George Barwell, by George Lillo), with the last scene revived, and the gallows and new drop introduced on the stage.
Has tried unsuccessfully to make PE a Freeholder of the County of Montgomery (thus giving him a vote there?) - Lord Chancellor Eldon's conscience has stood in the way.
PE less sanguine than he was in November (v.449) - CW advises him to explain himself clearly and unreservedly, preferably to the lady herself, but failing that to her father. Poor news from Wales on CW's prospects and means of living - but at least he receives some proportion of his rents, whereas many Irish landowners receive nothing, their tenantry having abandoned their houses and farms.
Weather too poor for CW to travel to the country (St Mary Cray?). Southey writes seldom - CW disgusted by his public conduct in the face of a difference of opinion. The government expected to have a majority of 90 in both the Lords and the Commons on the Catholic question.
