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.
Thanks PE for his epitaphs (v.414) - asks for advice on coats of arms for the picture. Of politics - so little ability on either side, and so much arrogance, that he wishes to stay away.
From Barmouth, where his wife and children are enjoying the sea air and bathing. Travel arrangements for PE to come to Llangedwyn (spend the night at Oswestry, and continue after breakfast, which he supposes will finish by 1 or 2 o'clock). Asks PE to bring or send down a number of books and periodicals.
Is concerned about Bedford's reaction to the death of his brother (v.329-331), and asks PE to give him spiritual guidance; he fears that Bedford is a sceptic in matters of religion (he has been reading Voltaire for years, and has a vain and weak mind). Now off for ten days soldiering.
(to PE in Rome.) Impending marriage of elder brother to Lady Harriet (Henrietta) Clive - should wean his brother from unsuitable pursuits. News of Southey's literary activities. Reform and revolution in the air, a consequence of the peace. Perhaps PE can buy him some books and alabaster lamps - but he cannot afford a great deal, so talks of ways of reducing the value entered at the Custom House. A number of politicians apparently to remain in Italy on health grounds, but are needed at home because of 'the present distress and popular outcry in London.' Concerned that PE might remain a second year abroad - a reference to the Bampton Lecture (PE never did this), and what PE owes to his profession and reputation. His own financial difficulties - his income derives from land, and farmers are in a bad way - a farm let last year for
PE agrees with him on the Irish question - the British have been indolent, preferring to persecute Popery rather than encourage Protestantism. Angry about the policy in India - a military martinet has caused a mutiny, and therefore missionaries are to be recalled, lest the growth of Christianity 'should offend our miserable slaves in that country.' PE has sent an account of Sir Richard Musgrave's flagellation of a Whiteboy (RM was an extreme Irish Protestant). CW counters with an account of how RM's wife (Lady Deborah Cavendish), long apart from her husband but nonetheless pregnant, arranged for her husband to get drunk, spent the night in his arms, had her maid and other witnesses enter the room in the morning, then turned the bedpan (?) over on his head lest he doubt the truth of her visit and returned swiftly to England. Irish Catholics should get equality in all civil and military offices. The Irish language should be used in church services to encourage Protestantism (a similar use of Welsh during the Reformation had a positive effect in Wales). The soon-to-be Prince Regent said to be delighted on reading of the death of Dr. John Willis (1807-12-08 - he was George III's physician).
