My dear Whishaw,—We have been at Philips’ for about a fortnight. The company who come here are chiefly Philippical, as there is an immense colony of that name in these parts. They seem all good-natured worthy people, and many of them in the Whig line. In these days, too, every lady reads a little, and there is more variety and information in every class than there was fifty years ago. About the year 1740, a manufacturer of long ells or twilled fustians must have been rather a coarse-grained fellow. It is not among gentlemen of that description I would at present look for all that is delightful in manner and conversation, but they certainly run “finer” than they did, and are (to use their own phrase) a superior article.
The acquittal of Hone gave me sincere pleasure, because I believe it proceeded in some measure from the horror and disgust which excessive punishment for libel have excited, and if jurymen take this way of expressing their disgust, judges will be more moderate. It is a rebuke, also, upon the very offensive and scandalous zeal of Lord Ellenborough, and it teaches juries their strength and importance. In short, Church and King in moderation are very good things, but we have too much of both. I presume by this time your grief at the death of the Princess1 is somewhat abated. Death in the midst of youth is always melancholy, but I cannot think it of the smallest political importance. I dread a popular
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| From Sydney Smith |
I am very glad the Hollands have sent Henry from home; he is a very unusual boy, and he wanted to be exposed a little more to the open air of the world.
Poor Mackintosh,1 I am heartily sorry for him, but his situation at Hertford will suit very well (pelting and contusions always excepted.) He should stipulate for pebble money, as it is there technically called, or an annual pension in case he is disabled by the pelting of the students!2
By the bye, might it not be advisable for the professors to learn the use of the sling (Balearis habena)? It would give them a great advantage over the students.
We are all perfectly well, with the usual January exceptions of colds, sore throats, rheumatism, and hoarseness.
I shall be in town in March and make some stay, but pray write to me before if you have any leisure.
