The Pickeridge, Slough. - Delepierre has put the first part if his Hackness Ghost Story to type but has left out 'the part of/on Hamlet' [?] for reasons of space; encloses Delepierre's reply to Perry's questioning of this [no longer present], which entrusts decision to Houghton. George Fortescue's discovery of further Van den Bempde papers at Dropmore, perhaps undisturbed since 1725, which include State correspondence of the time of James I; theories about history of the papers.
[Paper embossed with motto Pene Temperanda]. - Regrets absence last Saturday but did not receive a Philobiblon Society card; has written to Milnes about the mistake.
Bruxelles. -Thanks for letter of 1st Jan.; would not have troubled Houghton about the Mandan [Native American tribe] pamphlet if M. Delepierre had responded with similar graciousness; will call shortly when in London.
Accepts invitation to next Saturday's Philobiblon Society meeting. Written in 3rd person.
Headed notepaper for Swainston, Isle of Wight. - Saw the announcement in this morning's Times of the birth of Milnes' son 'with the greatest pleasure'; hopes that all is well, and would much welcome it if Milnes could find time to write an assurance of his wife's 'well doing'. His wife 'takes the liveliest interest in the event'. Their own nursery 'had an increase' recently; since the child [Stephen Louis Simeon, b. Nov. 1857] 'stands No. 3 on the muster role of boys, he is of less importance', but Simeon cannot wish Milnes 'a better wish than that your little boy may be as thriving and as healthy'.
Tried to find Milnes a few weeks ago when in town, but he was at Bowood. Asks what Delepierre is doing about 'our new Vol. of Miscellanies. If the Philobiblon sleeps, it will not do well'.