Half a letter only. No statesman was allowed to rise to individual and personal prominence under Elizabeth, William 3rd or Oliver Cromwell. Re military merit, England seems to have possessed more good officers than any other country except Spain, but he does not see any particular proof of superiority of talent - it is just that the battles they fought were more important in their consequences and therefore more celebrated. Raleigh, however, was in almost every respect above his age and would have shone in any profession or situation.
Asks PE's opinion of an inscription to go on a newly completed building. Also asks him to pop into the house in Duke Street, and gather and forward sundry genealogical papers concerning the Williams Wynn family.
Suggesting that PE comes to Llangedwin with Southey. Has done his soldiering, and is going to Barmouth for the sea bathing. Concerns about Bedford - his ill-health, and the advisability or otherwise of his taking holidays from the Exchequer - an enforced retirement might ensue.
About to be snowed in. The Chislehurst school (v.445) has apparently asked for some sort of reference - he reluctantly agrees, thinking a guarantee of payment should be sufficient. Roderick has pleased him more than he thought (v.446) - despite some pedantry, the story maintains its interest. Detailed comments on Waverley. French quotation from a letter to Henry from the Prince de Ligue, on current European politicks - 'good enough' for a man of near 90.
Congratulates PE on 'the prospect of the desired termination to the affair which has so long engaged him' (v.448). Offers the final version of the inscription for the vase (as revised by Lord G. - Grenville?).
