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Piccadilly, sent to his brother care of Rev. D. Brown, Aberdeen. - Came to town about a fortnight ago; meant to have returned but his father wanted him to stay, so he will now be here over the [parliamentary] debate on Friday. Was in the House the other evening, when they 'run the Doctor so very near. Some people think he will be outvoted on Friday', but Robert thinks not.

Has been 'very unwell' and out little; is going to drive with [Thomas or William?] Belsham today. A. [Arthur] Heywood is also 'laid up', The 'old set at Cambridge continue much the same, Gascoigne being the oracle of the bridle & saddle men; & Goulburne & Headly & Thornton of the steadies'. Has 'liv'd very little with the Methodists [?] this last term having only been in Dealtry's room twice. Has seen more of Bankes than anyone else; he 'calls here almost every day. He reads in the morning & is a terrible rake at night'. Has been to Newmarket only once and 'saw [Henry?] Mellish in all his glory'; believes he is 'still above water'.

Hopes that his brother is 'seriously devoted to his books', and is not only spending many hours reading, but has also 'taken up some general & systematic plan of classical & historical literature'; recommends him to 'touch very lightly on the Scotch moral philosophy & of their political as far as it is connected with it, as a very little common sense will teach you infinitely more in the way of conduct (wch is all that metaphysicks can pretend to aim at) than all the abstract Philosophy in the world'. Their father is much better.

Caen. - Intended to travel to Southampton by rail, but 'posted it' as the line was only completed as far as Guildford; barely any accommodation at the Dolphin owing to visitation by Archdeacon Dealtry and many clergymen. On the packet talked with a dandified fellow whom he later dicovered to be the Prince of Capua; also crossing was Madame de Feuchères, 'who you remember got the estates of, & was believed to be concern'd in strangling, the old Prince Condé'. Took apartments at Rouen recently vacated by Lady Byron 'in her caprice.... that they did not treat her memory with much respect". Galways. Great homage done to Humboldt and Arrego.

Caen disappointing: only 20 English families remain; Brummell at their hotel, 'not an Idiot, but approaching fast to it. He gave me a faint smile of recognition as much as to say I remember you but don't know you'; he is kindly treated as 'l'enfant de la famille' in the hotel '& whenever a bottle of Champagne is call'd for, which is seldom at Caen, the first glass is always sent him'; he has only one worn outfit but still looks gentlemanly; Mr Armstrong the vice-consul manages his precarious affairs and relates how Brummell never showed gratitude for past assistance', seeming 'to think himself entitled to this offering as from inferior beings'.

Postscript: Milnes sending letter by his old friend Maxwell, the new Lord Farnham.