Most melancholy is the reflection. Our rulers are truly infatuated, to have done nothing for the assistance of the poor, but leave them to such trying times without even showing a disposition to take any steps that could be effective. To do nothing to give relief, when land for the poor does relieve them so beneficially wherever they have it, is a cruel infatuation. To see poor rates at their present enormous height and the poor in misery—yet where they have land, to find rates 3_d._ or 4_d._ or 9_d._ in the £, and the poor in a state of ease and comfort—one would think should speak feelingly and powerfully—but no such thing. Men are governed by their stupid prejudices, and have too much pride to permit their eyes to be opened. Had an Act passed last session that had the effect of thus assisting the poor, instead of the pernicious system by rates, and some progress were now making in every county to carry it into execution, we should not hear such opinions advanced, because they would be groundless; the poor labourers, seeing such steps taken for their comfort and to free them from the ineffective thraldom of parish rates, would be patient and quiet. At present they see nothing done or doing for them, and have their hearts almost broken by penury—without resource—without hope. In such a situation who would wonder to see men join an enemy in crowds? Heaven forbid that this infatuation of Government be not providential, and the means by which the Deity may mean to punish the nation for and by its sins! The trumpeter of the Corps of Yeomanry came to me with a written engagement to forfeit 5_s._ the first absence and 10_s._ 6_d._ every successive one if we do not meet the first Friday of every month. I was always exempted on account of my necessary absence; however, as they expect to be called into actual service, I would not now retire when an invasion is expected, so I signed; but when the alarm is quite blown over—should that please the Almighty—I shall withdraw, for I am too old and too weak, and my pursuits too far off and too numerous to permit attendance. _September 7_ [on tour, at Dunstable].—Breakfasted with Mr. Parkyn, and then went to meet a person who instructs people in plaiting straw, and I bargained with him at 30_s._ a week for a girl to be instructed—a month will do; that is 6_l._, and the journey there and back, about 4_l._, so for 10_l._ I shall be able to introduce this most excellent fabric among our poor. The children begin at four years old, and by six earn 2_s._ or 3_s._ a week; by seven 1_s._ a day; and at eight and nine, &c., 10_s._ or 12_s._ a week. This will be of immense use to them.