I have been writing to Harry to procure Tom’s credentials for Canada, without delay. A vessel sails from Maryport, on the 10^th of April, in which he talks of embarking, to reconnoitre the land, & prepare the way for his family.

That there was no other possible course for him to pursue, I have long perceived, without overlooking the difficulties in this. But it is a course, which in his circumstances I should certainly long ago have pursued. This however does not lighten the weight which such with which it lies upon my spirits.

Yesterday I heard from Knox,

on his arrival in London. Perhaps you will have seen him ere this reaches you; as he announced his intention of walking to Streatham as soon as he should have settled himself in town quarters. From him I hear that Edward was fifth in the challenge; – if so, there is little doubt of his getting in.

I cannot yet see the time of my departure,

but am working strenuously towards that end. As usual my book

grows under my hands, & what was intended for a small duodecimo, will be a full sized octavo volume; – - a good & useful one, I really hope. Probably I shall bring some work with me to Streatham. So many persons have asked me about Spanish affairs, that I have asked Gifford whether he wishes me to take up the subject; if he replies in the affirmative, I shall begin the paper here, & finish it under your roof, – which will be no trifling advantage.

When I am in town, it is my intention to talk with Murray about printing a selection of my papers from the Q.R.

If they were duly arranged, with restorations, & some corrections & additions, they might bring me both credit & profit. In this forthcoming number there is an account of the Theophilanthropists in France, introductory to a sketch of the rise & progress of Infidelity.

Upon reading it consecutively in the proofs, I was glad that I had written it.

Turner has just compleated his historical labours

– & in consequence I shall begin a series of papers upon English history, which after they have served their main purpose in the QR may form a correspondent volume to the B. of the Church.

Blanco looks upon the affairs of Spain as I do, without a wish to throw into either scale, – & without hope. Wishes, & strong ones I should have, were the French a nation who could be trusted: but who can expect honour or principle from them! – One of the new Sp. Ministers Flores Estrada

I met once at Goodens, – a tremendous fellow he is, hard as the iron of his own mountains. I see nothing but utter ruin for that poor country, – in the total destruction of all property that can be destroyed, – a war of banditti over the whole land; a government supported by a foreign force, & wholly without resources.

The R. Irish Academy have sent me another tail to my name.