| Description | Letter written from [Ambleside], to Foxholes, dated 22 May. Harriet discusses her health, and advises Sarah not to send too much money for champagne, as the quantity required is now less. She notes the Arnolds' will soon return to the Lake District, and she looks forward to hearing their news. Harriet elaborates on her concerns about the state of public affairs, making reference to continental affairs involving Belgium and the Eastern question, as well as the situations in North America, the West Indies and Ireland. She also has concerns about the domestic situation, particularly with regard to the on-going struggle between employers and employed, as well as the economic depression. She feels the country is lacking in political leaders: 'At such a time, we have no statesmen, except, in a partial sense, Gladstone; & there is no knowing, ever, what turn he will take next. Bright is worse than no statesman: - his stupid impudence has already rendered the case of Ireland almost hopeless; & his colleagues while personally liking him, complain that they cannot get anything done in his Office...' The original envelope is included. |