London is not yet gay. Of Politicks, whether the present Ministers can stand seems doubtful. Lord Chatham in his examination throws blame on the Navy; his having presented a paper to the King without any communication with the other Ministers, has made sad work. The business in the House is every day, and all day, and all night. I have not seen any of your friends yet. Miss Acklom is not yet come. The body of Mr Eden [22] is found, & though he had been so long in the water, some Bank Notes were found perfect in his pocket. Sir T. Gascoigne [23] and Sir C. Turner [24] both dead, the former has left his fortune to the Olivers, and failing them and their issue to Lord Fitzwilliam--very distant, if any relation. Sir C. Turner, his house, stud, and plate at Newmarket to his groom there; everything else, for ever, to Lady Turner. Honoria Blake has married Captain Cadogan--amiable and poor. Lord and Lady Barnard to live at the Duchess of Bolton's old house--the two Lords of that name so near will make a confusion. _March 20th, 1810._ There are more girls of high fashion just come out than has been known for many years. London, I never knew so dull.... I hear of no matches, the flirtations have not yet begun. _March 27th, 1810._ Ministers have much to do this week. The Walcheren Debate came on yesterday and is to last Tuesday; Wednesday they repose from their labours, and Thursday and some say Friday the Debate is to last. We have sent to Mr Knox for the numbers, he came home at one, and he thought there would be no division. I suppose this question will decide the fate of the Ministers. There was a very interesting debate the other day on a statute, precluding all men who have written on hire for newspapers from becoming Members of Lincoln's Inn. A lawyer present described a case in which a young man of the highest expectations, most distinguished education, might be driven by necessity to accept of such an offer for existence. After enlarging with great feeling on such a case, he concluded by saying he had not described an imaginary situation, but his own, thirty years before. The applause of the House was excessive. I wish you may meet with the speech for it was very interesting. Sir F. Burdett has published a letter to say that the House of Commons have no right to imprison Gale Jones. [25] There is to be a debate upon it. I fear his conduct will do much mischief. His letter is addressed to his Constituents. Pole Carew got drunk at Oxford and made such a riot he was sent to the Castle. Think of Wentworth (Beaumont) coming from Cambridge to have a tooth out without leave! [Illustration: SIR FRANCIS BURDETT, BT., M P. _From an engraving by Wm. Sharp, after a picture by J. Northcote, R.A. Painted while Sir Francis was a prisoner in the Tower._]