Item 17 - Richard Jones to William Whewell

3 pp.

Brasted - RJ sends WW about two thirds of his preface ['An Essay on the Distribution of Wealth and on the Sources of Taxation', 1831]. He thinks it is too long and may be seen as having a little philosophical pedantry about it. Fitton [William Henry Fitton] thinks RJ 'may have treated the Utilitarians too roughly - I do not - but pray have an eye to this'. RJ notes within the country the higher classes are folding their hands helplessly waiting the explosion, the intermediate are waiting with hope of some change but they know not what, and the lower are ready to be instruments whenever a mob appears. RJ 'told Ld Camden the Ld Lieutenant before a select meeting the other day that unless he sent for troops the whole body of peasantry were ready throughout the valley to turn out'. RJ does not think he has sent for any troops but he 'was startled and surprised as if the news was really unexpected this was 2 days ago'. There has since been a nearby uprising.