Southey has asked him to assist Duppa's views (opinions or paintings?) at the British Museum, but he feels diffident. Has heard that Peter Plymley is Sydney Smith (v.411). Cabinet split on the question of Catholic emancipation.

Long time no see - will the mountain come to Mahomet, or vice versa?

The Covent Garden fire of 21st September - has heard that Mackinley's bookbinders has been affected, and fears that some mss. of his brother may have been lost (inc. the White Book of Hergest?). Asks PE to buy some books at Lackington's bookstore (inc. a 3rd and 4th folio). Would like to write about Walter Scott's 'false heraldry,' but has been required by Lord Hawkesbury to write on local militia.

Lord Grenville certain to be proposed as a candidate for the Chancellorship, and would be grateful for PE's vote and a copy of his Aristophanes. Will canvass in Oxford and then proceed to Dropmore - asks PE to canvass too.

A 4th occurrence of the King's malady. Remarks on a (quashed) bill promoting the residence of the Irish clergy, and the lack of dutifulness in the Archbishop of Canterbury (Charles Manners).

Elusive political gossip.

Ditto - Abbot (in fact elected) has 'practised upon CW a fraud.' Encloses a copy of a letter from Richards to Abbot (OW, Speaker of the House of Commons) dated 9th July, 1805.

Has directed a servant to PE's house to ask if any of the books PE has ordered for CW are finished (i.e. bound?).

The enclosed promises fairly but is not decisive.'

From Dropmore. Looking for a house in London - wife to be confined in less that two months. Bedford returned from Southey to Town, but not recovered and may have to retire from the Exchequer since the other clerks are grumbling - hard for a man of 38 to regulate the remainder of his life on a pension. But perhaps he will be happier and healthier on