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Fryston. Congratulations on the birth of Milnes' son. 'Mr Thornhill has been not a little amused with the Ponf[re]t [Pontefract] women besetting the front door all the day then pursuing him along the road with intreaties that he would present their claims to Mr Milnes. a very old woman was at the head of the 24th deputation.' Milnes' father is 'decidedly grateful with his name being handed down to Posterity, he is no worse for the excitement.' Lord Galway is sure that 'R. O. A. M.' will be a 'sportsman', because of a good run to hounds the day of his birth. Sends love to Annabel, and 'thanks to Mrs B[lackburne]'.

Bolton Row. - Includes a passage on racing (mentioning the horse Cotherstone, Samuel Chifney, and Wyndham); is 'no longer a hero' in London, criticises public opinion. Wishes himself back at Hare Park [the Portmans' home]. Discussion of the other members of the recent house party there: [Frederick?] Delmé ('they say he when he likes can be funny / He's stupid enough when he's losing his money'); 'Little Martyn... *your most particular pet'; John Morley ('a good hand at a dinner, no bad hand at whist'); Sir Richard [Duckworth?] King 'enjoying if not making mirth'; Sarah Portman's brother Tom Thornhill, 'cool as a Cucumber, deep as the Sea'; her 'nice little niece' and 'Mrs Tom Thornhill'. Hopes he will be invited again.

Note at the end by Sarah Portman addressed to Mr [?] Reddy: Delmé had lost his money and was 'so cross & dull', Sir Richard King 'is always ready to laugh', and they laughed at Mr Morley for 'wrapping himself up', so she thinks the verse 'capital'. Lord Ranelagh 'excelled in the thimble act' and was 'entertaining beyond anything at Charades'.

Has written to Richard about Mrs Blackburne's mis-sent letter; she should tell him to write a 'threatening address to [the] Postmaster', Has had 'sixteen Pomfreters [to visit] & expect as many more today'; they had a 'jollyfication dinner [to celebrate the birth of Milnes' grandson?] yesterday of 18', with dry champagne. Guests included [Thomas] Thornhill, 'Dick Lee', [Charles?] Jerdein, Hart, and Mrs Fawkes.

Has 'quite a love for Miss Crewe [Annabella Milnes' sister, see HOUG/BN/3/8]. She would never come to Fryston, when I would have loaded the house with R[oman] C[atholic]s'. Told Annabella she had his 'full permission to make any daughter a RC'... has 'doubt as to the ROAM, or whether Amy could look grave enough'. More details about his guests, hunting with Galway etc.