WW has 'spoken with Prickett [Marmaduke Prickett, Chaplain of Trinity College, 1836-38] about his intentions and find as I supposed that he does not hesitate being a candidate for a fellowship next term & so that there will be no obstacle on that head in the way of his belonging in your vineyard. It appears that the Master, who I think mentioned his name to you had not spoken to him of the possibility of such a proposal from you; but it is I think much to the credit of his judgement & principles, as well as a good enquiry for his being a useful & satisfactory assistant to you, that he is particularly delighted with the idea of entering the church under your auspices'. WW is sorry to hear of JHR's asthma. WW has 'only just begun Napier ['Peninsular War']. Sedgwick [Adam Sedgwick] is delighted with the military views which it contains...but he is not insensible to the faults you mention. He seems to think, & Peacock also that it may change people's opinion of Cintra & Moore. I think it was very bad reading for a man with a weak chest & so you seem to have found it'.
Horsham - Could WW ascertain from Mr Pricket [Marmaduke Prickett] what his views are as to a curacy. Obviously if he decides to sit for a fellowship again there is an end to the matter, but if not would he be interested in HJR's curacy? He has been ill and reading Napier's [William F. P. Napier] 'Peninsular War': 'What for a man! as my friends the Germans say - A coldblooded, long headed, Scotch Whig! What a combination of detestables! The cold admission that the war was unjust - the regular determination to defend every French act of atrocity as necessary severity - and to systematize the outbreakings of Spanish indignities as mere savage ferocity - the resolute and cold hearted depreciation of all the heroic efforts of the Spaniards at the beginning - and (with all their defects) their unbroken resolution and constant rallying under defeat'. Napier 'is a Scotchman writing for the Duke of Wellington and therefore determined to make him everything and the Spaniards nothing'. HJR would like to know what Charles W. Le Bas is preaching about: 'I envy you all being able to hear him'. HJR expects 'Eastlake [Charles Lock Eastlake] the painter here everyday and wish you could meet him'.
