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Reports the safe arrival at Cole Orton of both their travelling parties, all well except little Thomas, who has a bad cough, and Sarah, who was sick. Thanks Mrs Cookson for her hospitality and hopes to repeat the pleasure in the Spring. Details their journey, omitting some place names. Mentions their 'little affairs with Lady B'.

Writes to fulfil his promise to send the first poem he composed on his arrival home. Regrets that engagements constantly call him away from Rydale Mount and his writing. Sympathises with Haydon's loss of sight which impedes his painting. Expresses his lack of surprise at Canova's appreciation of the Elgin Marbles. Gives his opinion of the works of Abbe Winkelman on the strength of a short treatise, 'Reflections concerning the imitation of the Grecian artists in painting and sculpture'. Describes the three sonnets which follow. Sends 'Mrs W's' kindest remembrances. Informs him that 'Miss H' is absent.

Temporarily declines Scott's request for a critique of Scott's proposed poem as he is anxious that it will interfere with material that he is writing on the same topic. Believes that his two short essays will not interfere with Scott's work. Refers to Southey's writing on the same subject. Asks Scott not to get the impression, from his previous letter, that he thinks ill of mankind. Discusses his poetry celebrating the King of Sweden, and his pamphlet occasioned by the Convention of Cintra. Gives his opinion of the Duke of Wellington. Regrets that Scott's other work will prevent him from writing for the 'Champion'. Thanks Scott for verses. Refers to Walter Scott and Byron. Accepts Scott's offer to send the 'Champion'.

Informs Coleridge that he was not at Highgate on the previous Wednesday due to a reoccurance of his illness. Mentions that he is being treated by Dr Farne [?]. Plans to dine at Lambeth Rectory the next day, and leave for Switzerland on Monday. Regrets that illness and sitting for his Bust at Chantry's has prevented him from seeing Coleridge. Asks Coleridge to tell Derwent that Mr Longman is to send him a new edition of Wordsworth's poems, and to thank Mr Gilman for recommending Dr Farne [?].

Concerning the 'Anecdote for Fathers'.

Replies to a query made by the Fellows of St John's College about plans for his portrait. Informs Hymers that he is waiting for Mr Quillinan to send him news of Mr Pickersgill, who was to paint the portrait but has only just returned from France. Reports that he has passed on messages to William, and Henry Cookson's mother. Asks for advice, on behalf of his brother-in-law, Mr Thomas Hutchinson, about the relative merits of being a Sizar or a Pensioner at St John's. Refers to his poor eyesight which necessitates an amanuensis.

Negotiates a time for Pickersgill to paint his portrait for St John's College.

Regrets that he cannot currently travel to London to have his portrait taken due to his sister's ill health. Assures Pickersgill that he still wishes him to paint the portrait for St John's College and understands the reasons why he cannot come to Ambleside.

Manuscript sonnet, signed by Wordsworth.