im so cordially by the hand, and pressed him so for a visit to
Oxford, that he (G. C.) rather thought he (Sam) deserved the Epithet
usually added to his Name. Perhaps, however, the Bishop _did_ feel for a
Grandson of the Poet.

I have no more to tell you of myself this past Summer than for so many
Summers past. Only sailing about, Lowestoft, Ramsgate, Dover, Calais,
etc. I was very pleased indeed with Calais; just as I remember it forty
years ago except for the Soldiers' Uniform.

Duncan wrote me not a very cheerful Letter some while ago: he was unwell,
of Cold and rheumatism, I think. Of other Friends I know nothing: but am
going to write my annual Letters to them. What a State of things to come
to! How one used to wonder, hearing our predecessors talk in that way,
something! But I don't think our successors wonder if we talk so; for
they seem to begin Life with indifference, instead of ending it.

My house is not yet finished: two rooms have taken about five months:
which is not slow for Woodbridge. To day I have been catching Cold in
looking at some Trees planted--'factura Nepotibus umbram.'

Now this precious Letter can't go to-night for want of Envelope; and in
half an hour two Merchants are coming to eat Oysters and drink Burton
ale. I would rather be alone, and smoke my own pipe in peace over one of
Trollope's delightful Novels, 'Can you forgive her?'

Now, my dear Allen, here is enough of me, for your sake as well as mine.
But let me hear something from you. All good Remembrances to the Wife
and those of your Children who remember yours ever, E. F. G.

[WOODBRIDGE]
_Decr._ 3/65.

MY DEAR ALLEN,

I enclose you two prints which may amuse you to look at and keep.

I have a wonderful Museum of such scraps of Portrait; about once a year a
Man sends me a Portfolio of such things. But my chief Article is
Murderers; and I am now having a Newgate Calendar from London. I don't
ever wish to see and hear these things tried; but, when they are in
print, I like to sit in Court then, and see the Judges, Counsel,
Prisoners, Crowd: hear the Lawyers' Objections, the Murmur in the Court,
etc.

The Charge is prepared; the Lawyers are met,
The Judges are rang'd, a terrible show.

De Soyres came here the other Day, and we were talking of you; he said
you had invited Newman to your house. A brave thing, if you did. I
think his Apology very noble; and himself quite honest, so far as he can
see himself.