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).

Back in London (Brompton) - talks of his own and his parents' grief over the death of Horace.

Various arrangements to meet PE, either in St Mary Cray or in town - parents to be fragile.

Has not yet been able to leave his parents for a single day. But hopes to visit PE with Southey.

Invitation to PE to dine (under the elaborate conceit that the father of his putative fianc