Item 19 - Richard Jones to William Whewell

3 pp.

RJ returns his manuscript ['An Essay on the Distribution of Wealth and on the Sources of Taxation', 1831]: 'I had meant to guard myself against being supposed a follower of the mighty Sadler [Michael Thomas Sadler]'. RJ 'will strike out the second reference to the Millites when the sheet comes. I suspected I had been too declamatory but you must not think me obstinate if I wish to see the passages you object to in print - your substitution which I value much I shall certainly use does not exactly contain the objection I was making which is to the narrow foundations rather than the hasty erections of their systems - that gradation of generalities you allude to is rather a different point and when the proof sheet comes here I mean to see if I cannot use both yours and mine (or mine a little modified)'. RJ does not know what he has 'written or miswritten that could lead you to think I was for mixing you up with the Kentish riots'. RJ 'had no such notions - indeed how could I when we have Lords Camden and Brecknoch to help us if those vigourous and comprehensive minds I wish I could give you an idea - we have a little calm, but if a storm does not sooner or later follow it will be wonderful as our people have been tonight almost anxiously that if they choose to assemble to effect any favourite object by violence the worst that can follow is that they should miss their object. The very day after I applied for troops, (they might have been here in 8 hours) no less than 3 risings took place...7 or 8 miles from us - one only 4 or so - the largest and most violent body had there been troops at Sevenoaks might with perfect ease have been intercepted any number received and an example made which would have protected us and the poor people themselves for a generation at least - not one was received and they are I suspect quite ready to try their luck again - I hope Herschel [John Herschel] will be beaten and the Royal Society go to the de--l I have excellent reasons to give you why this would be better for Herschel'.