pg 657614. W. W. to LORD LONSDALE

• MS. Lonsdale MSS., Record Office, The Castle, Carlisle. Hitherto unpublished.

• Coleorton Hall
• 18th Dec^br 1820

My Lord,

Yesterday I received a Letter from Dr Stoddart, of which the following is an Extract:

'I beg that you would present to Lord Lonsdale my best acknowledgements for the very flattering manner in which his Lordship is so kind as to speak of me. When I have finished the Work of which I spoke I will submit it to his Lordship's inspection; and if he thinks fit, it shall be addressed to him; otherwise not.'

Dr S., apologising for not having written sooner, says 'that he has been occupied with a scheme which he considers of great importance; viz., the formation of a general Society to oppose the progress of disloyal and seditious principles' and its chief object will be to watch and counteract the efforts of the licentious Press. Dr S. adds that your Lordship has been made acquainted with the foundation of this Society.¹ The objects of this Association must be deemed of prime importance by every reflecting mind. If its regulations be found judicious, I need not say, my Lord, that I shall be happy to do all in my power to carry them into effect as far as my influence extends, and to receive any directions from your Lordship to that purpose.

The other day I went into a Bookseller's Shop in the neighbouring Town of Ashby, and found, among a very small Collection of Books, 'the Koran' and the famous Pamphlet, 'Killing no Murder.' These Books were not on sale, but had been borrowed for the perusal of the Master of the Shop and his Visitors. I afterwards learned that this person was a notorious Jacobin and Incendiary, and Usher of a School in the Town, the Trustees of which (Tradesmen of the Place) had turned out a loyal Schoolmaster, and put in his place one of opposite principles, who had given the 'Manchester Massacres' as a Theme for his Boys. What are we to expect from children educated by such Teachers?

On Wednesday we quit our kind Friends for Westmorland. They pg 658are well and unite with Mrs Wordsworth and myself in best regards to your Lordship and Lady Lonsdale.

• Ever my Lord                     
• sincerely and faithfully yours   
• Wm Wordsworth              

If your Lordship has occasion to write be so kind as to mention your health, which I hope has suffered no relapse. The snow is lying here pretty thick.