I am very glad that the desire of introducing a young officer to you puts an end to all reasons for longer delaying a letter. Mr. Charles Malet,

by whom this will be delivered to you, is brother to Sir Alexander Malet.

His father, the late Sir Charles Malet,

was many years resident at Poonah, the Mahratta court at a time when the Mahrattas were the most formidable power in India. He was also uncle to General Peachey’s first wife, a woman for whom I had the highest esteem and regard. Her two sisters

(old friends of mine) are now inhabiting the Island with Lady Malet,

the General having lent it them for this season. And the young officer (I have neglected to ask whether he be ensign or lieutenant) having been removed from Ipswich to Norwich, Lady Malet, who is a most estimable person, is very thankful for so good an introduction as this which I have offered for her son.

Now for my movements. Instead of seeing you in the spring or summer, it will be in mid-–winter. I set out at the end of October with my daughter, Edith; and my intention is to make my western visits first, and then escort her to your hospitable roof; making some two days’ halt at Cambridge on the way, and with Clarkson (near Ipswich) on the way back. This will hardly be before January has begun, at the latter end of your Christmas festivities. My book of the Church

will precede me. I am now set–to to complete it, having laid it aside for some time in order to be ready with a paper for the next “Review.”

You would recognise me in the last number, on the growth of Infidelity, where, as usual, I have to complain of injurious curtailments.

When I see Murray, I mean to make some arrangements with him for publishing a selection of my papers in a separate form; and then I shall restore what has been struck out (where it can be recovered), and in other respects improve them.

The paper which I have just finished is on the reign of Charles II., – the new edition of “Burnet’s own Times” giving occasion for it.

A singular and interesting person called on me about ten days ago, and told me that he had had some acquaintance with you in the way of business formerly, – Mr. Morrison of Fore Street.

He was bound to New Lanark, with the intention of vesting 5000l. in the proposed experiment of an Owenite Quadrangle, if what he sees at Owen’s own establishment should confirm him in his present opinion of the scheme.

I was exceedingly pleased with him. He talked to me about the Free–thinking Christians,

with whom Cokes, Thompson, and Fearon

are the chiefs of the synagogue. With these persons he appeared to be intimate, and very much to admire the society, on account of the strict discipline which they observe, and the strict regularity of conduct which they require from their members. A clerk (Dillon

by name) in whom he has great confidence, is one of their preachers, or lecturers, and the principal defender of their faith in their magazine.

I found, however, that Morrison was far from being satisfied with their creed. We had a good deal of conversation on the subject; and he took down from me the title of some books which may assist the better tendency of his own mind at this time. His place of residence is Balham Hill, where I shall probably see him, being within an easy walk of my uncle’s house at Streatham.

Hughes the traveller was here with his bride,

early in the season; and Professor Sedgewick

is now hammering away in the heart of Skiddaw. We are now enjoying fine weather, which is the more delightful after the long reign of St. Swithin.

On Monday last we had a grand party upon Causey Pike, the ascent of which you will remember. We were thirteen persons on the summit, and we dined by the side of the stream below, where Mrs. Southey with Mrs. Coleridge and two other ladies, who were not equal to the task of climbing the mountain, waited for us. Cuthbert remained below with his mother; the other young ones

scaled the height like goats. To–day we have a lake party, and my daughter, Edith, has cut out more expeditions for me, against which I must not rebel, for if they impede my pursuits they are conducive to my health.

There is a lady of our party to–day who has published two volumes of poetry, which, if Mrs.White and your sisters

have not read, I would recommend to their perusal. “Ellen Fitzarthur” is the title of one, “The Widow’s Tale” of the other.

There is nothing in them but what is good and beautiful. Miss Bowles has not put her name to either. She is in very delicate health, but, I hope, is deriving benefit from this wholesome air. Remember us most kindly to all your circle, and tell me how transplantation agrees with your excellent mother. Your young ones, I hope, continue to thrive; I shall have great pleasure in seeing them. My little Cuthbert is as happy as health, fine weather, and the thoughts of making a fire for dinner by the side of the lake can make him. God bless you, my dear Neville.