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.
From John Richardson in Montreal to Mrs Elmsley in Quebec. Condolences on heavy loss (her husband - cf. letter 30). Apologises for heavy expenses (medical, funeral).
Arranging for books to be bound and delivered. Discussion of a Greek epigram to be inscribed on one (recording the gift of the book to a nephew, from three brothers) - Hallam has objected to one word, but CW finds the objection hypercritical and 'too Etonian.'
London. Copy of Mr Romilly's opinion on Boylston's will (v. 294?). Reconciliation of Pitt and Addington. Items of gossip. PE has remitted to John the last portion of the family estate. The family has, however, a sixth interest in a new edition of Chambaud's dictionary (perhaps from his bookseller uncle Peter, d. 1802?)
Asks PE to buy Ritson's Songs, vellum or Morocco - a present for a lady - together with last three volumes of Madame (de) Genlis' Petits Romans. Southey's brother dismissed from his ship by court martial - but officer who replaced him lost his life in action.
Uses compasses (v.398) as excuse for not writing sooner, but in truth has been busy with 'the infernal defence of the country.' Abortive visit to Hafod (Uchtryd), arranged by his elder brother, to visit Thomas Johnes and the house, and to see the Froissart ms. (Johnes' translation?) - saw no more than the outside of the larder and library. Four days at Keswick with Southey - mornings spent scrambling among mountains and waterfalls, evenings reading Madoc and Portuguese History (NB latter never finished only Part 1 published, The History of Brazil). Miss (2nd daughter Edith?) promises to be 'a finer child than her predecessor' (Margaret, died aged 1 in 1803?).
Request for PE to buy a pair of oval compasses for Mr Wingfield (cf.391?). Regrets that the paths of literature and politics keep them apart. Suggestion to visit Southey at Keswick in August.
Asks for two copies of PEW's Sophocles (one for him, one for his uncle Tom). C Burney has been to dinner - talk of mss., one supposedly the 1st act of Sophocles' Clytemnestra, but probably a composition of the time of Gregory Nazianzen, and the other a ninth century Plato containing nothing new, but which might confirm some readings. PE needs good corrector - he does not possess attention enough to proofread.
