Mr Collins has remarked upon PE's age - HH advises against retaliation. Violent love is neither reasonable nor desirable at PE's time of life - and a calculated marriage is a risk, since the necessary sacrifices are not always compensated for.

PE should 'kiss and be friends,' according to the ancient method of making up quarrels. PE should not have shown HH's letter to X (name unclear - HH does not know which letter) - she might not like to have her name taken in vain by a stranger. HH will never allude to the other business, that of Miss B.

Two letters are at Stafford Row from PE to his brother, who has gone to Godalming (to examine Norman remains). Since one letter follows the other by a day, he wonders if he should forward them. His mother is still at Ealing, and has been for five weeks.

Long letter of introduction of a young man, Parlby, who has recently entered the University - his parents are worried about his settling.

A bill sent from the Admiralty to the Treasury has been delayed, but Henry expects it back shortly. He says this in case PE thinks he has already received the amount of the bill and is squandering it. (All a joke?)

Henry - glad to hear of PE's return to England. Domestic (servant with uterine cancer) and work problems for both him and his brother (who also appears to have strained something around his groin - 'somewhere, as sailors say, between wind and water') prevent a trip to Dover. Invites PE to stay in 10 days time. PE seems to have asked for help in obtaining a sextant. G.C. - can only ride gently because of his injury (which is not too bad - no danger of needing to carry his aidoia - Greek = genitalia - in a wheelbarrow).

Letters from H. Hallam of the Stamp Office to PE (much mannered humour, gossip and political trivia)

Recommends a doctor.

Has been confined to the house by sickness - has a blister on his side the size of the Westminster pancake. Asks to come to PE to eat potatoes or rice.

Postponing a visit from PE - brother Horace has had another attack in his bowels (OW - died in September 1807).