Westminster School's Archive & Collections

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.

Charles Watkin Williams-Wynn to Peter Elmsley

GB 2014 WS-05-ELM-02-15-11
Item
1804-09-20

Part of Westminster School's Archive and Collections

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?).

Charles Watkin Williams-Wynn to Peter Elmsley

GB 2014 WS-05-ELM-02-15-12
Item
1804-12-22

Part of Westminster School's Archive and Collections

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.

Charles Watkin Williams-Wynn to Peter Elmsley