I said I would write to you when I was going to London and therefore I
now do it, but without much hope of seeing you there.... It is not my
intention, if I can get my business done, to stay in town beyond Tuesday
morning, unless I had any chance of meeting you there, which would
induce me to defer my return home one day longer.... Dr. Roget[170] has
been on a visit for a few days at Mr. Smith's; he stayed one evening
with us at Gatcomb. We all very much admire his unassuming manners, and
are well disposed to admit his claims on our esteem and affection. Sir
Samuel Romilly and Lady Romilly have been on a visit at Mr. Phelps' a
near neighbour of mine. They went from here to Bowood[171] and from
thence they were going to Ford Abbey, Mr. Bentham's residence. I have
since heard of their arrival there, and they are now probably returned
to London.
... Our harvest in this part of the country is almost entirely got in.
The crops are I believe generally good, and we are very grateful for the
fortunate change in the weather which enabled us to reap and house them
in a state of perfection. We shall now, I hope, for some years sail
before the wind. You and I have always agreed in our opinions of the
power and wealth of the country; we were not in a state of despair at
the discouraging circumstances with which we were lately surrounded. We
looked forward to the revival which has taken place....
Ever truly yours,
DAVID RICARDO.
If you should write me a line, it will reach me sooner by being
directed to the Stock Exchange.