Dear Sir

Downing March 21. 1784.

I am sorry that you so easily give up the poor principality.¹Tower certainly would never do for your family, being much to small: but I was not acquainted with y^r number. M^r Panton some time ago returned your Compliments: & mentioned to me a new house built by a clergyman who is ruined by the expence. It’s situation is the noblest in Britain above Conway in sight of everything that is great. It is unfurnished: but if you could think of a longer retreat than one summer it may suit you. Had you not best make a tour with Miss Bulls² & explore the Country. here you will find warm lodgings as long as you please. This failing I shall be silent.

Pistill Rhaeader is described vol. last p. 350 paragraph 4^th.³ I am not interested the lest in S. Wales, therefore return Edward's head.⁴ I rejoice at the political change; & may say that the pub welsh public strongly befriends in theory but wants principle to give their sentiments, useful effect. Whenever Dissolution⁵ takes place I fly the country till the bustle is over: for I cannot vote against my conscience: and my conscience tells me Sir R. M. ought not to be supported.⁶ I will not hurt the worthiest of women his sister by going against him so shall retire from the scene of action.

I am
Dear Sir
y^r affect friend

Tho. Pennant

Is there ever a print of Catherine Cornaro?

Be so good as to refer me to the author who gives the character of sir Benj. wright⁷ in the last century. He is the person to whom M^r Possi[...] was lately compared in the house.

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Editorial notes

1. See 1036.
2. Elizabeth and Catherine.
3. See 1036, n. 3.
4. This probably refers to Edward II who, although born at Caernarfon Castle, spent a tumultuous period at the end of his reign in south-east Wales. ODNB.
5. Parliament was dissolved on 25 March 1784.
6. Pennant was critical of Roger Mostyn for his support to the Fox-North Coalition from February 1783, since he had promised to 'enlist under no party, follow no set of men'. Literary life, p. 95; Hist P s.n. Sir Roger Mostyn, 5th Bt.
7. Sir Benjamin Wright[e] of Cranham Hall (d. 1706) was considered a lunatic; he was put into custody and his estates were taken over. Wellcome Library, MS 7467.