Item 18 - A.L.s., from John James Blunt, Hodnet

Gives a description of a recent Cambridge Contested Election he has attended stating 'if there is one thing on earth better worth seeing than another' it is such an event, though notes that he had no interest in the actual outcome and was there for the social occasion. Was disappointed JWW did not attend. Mentions the voting behaviour of their acquaintances and his failure to find out any of the 'sweet hocus pocus' involved in the elections. Discusses a book on Antiquities by Burton which he believes has tried to do too much as a guidebook of Rome. Notes that his book, 'Vestiges of ancient manners and customs discernable in Modern Italy and Sicily', has been out for three weeks but has no idea as to its success as yet. Has seen mention of JWW's book and believes it should have a more descriptive title. At present is composing rustic sermons on the Lord's Prayer for his country congregation. Would like to visit JWW as invited but cannot at present.