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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.

Condoles with Southey on the death of his brother. Mentions his own brother's ill health. Mourns the loss of Lady Lonsdale. Sympathises over Southey's ill health. Advises on the treatment of his hernia. Refers to Mr Crabbe Robinson's worsened condition whilst they were walking in Italy, and the death of Mr Quillinan's father after he refused to wear a Portuguese truss until an English one could be procured. Reports that Mr Carr recommends Salmon and Oddys opposition sided truss. Forwards a letter and a pamphlet from Mr Merewether. Thanks Southey for Madoc, and for a poem, with which Mrs Wordsworth is charmed. Supposes that the work of Southey and himself might 'have a better chance of being remembered than some others who have figured in our day'.

Refers to the 'Prioress's Tale', 'Cuckoo and Nightingale', and the passage from 'Troilus and Cressida'. Sends a message to Miss Gillies. Admires her picture which he has just received. Opines that the profession of the portrait painter would be mortifying if the artist 'did not rise above the common region of inexperienced judgement'. Remembers himself to Mrs Powell and Powell's brother. Postscript mentions the family's health, and expresses disappointment that Miss Roughsedge's portrait did not arrive.

Invites Gaskell to view the Wordsworth family almery.

Regrets that they could not accept her invitation. Informs Mrs Gaskell that her father's eye troubles have reoccurred forcing them to return home. Confesses that she is glad of the illness as it provides her with an excuse to accompany her father rather than remain in Herefordshire. Refers to her father's 'long and interesting wanderings'.

MS sonnet and correspondence relating to its purchase for St Johns.

With manuscript additions in the hand of Arthur Guy Lee, Librarian.

MS copy of the sonnet beginning 'Motions and Means'. In the hand of William Wordsworth or that of his wife. First published in 'Yarrow revisited and other poems', 1835. Written at Elton Rectory.