John Childs to William Hone, 15 March, 1819

Having an opportunity of sending this by the hand of a friend I write to say that I shall be in Manchester on Sunday next where I purpose staying for five or six days and request you will employ me if there is any thing whatever which I can do for you there. If you want to have any one Dunned, or any other matter give me the clue and I shall make the affair my own.

A ticket directed to the Post Office there will fall into my hands.

I sincerely hope my Dear Sir, the return of Spring will assist in dispelling some of the apprehensive matter from your mind--you are somehwat nervous and must press against the Current as much as possible. There can be no doubt however, that the trials have given you a physical shake which renders it difficult for you to press against the stream, but you ought to know that it is absolutely necessary for you to [one word illegible] for several reasons, and especially that we may not lose sight of such a Champion against oppression, until a placid and cheerful evening of life shall have convinced your oppressors of their folly and wickedness -- and may their fate and yours be a warning to future ages.

I had formed a very high opinion of Hazlitt, as a man of Genius and independence of mind, and your character of him confirms me--the Quarterly has reviewed his lectures in such an amiable spirit, that all who read it must be convinced as the cause they advocate become more & more forlorn, those Blackguards become more and more abusive, the last No. contains but scurrility and abuse from end to end.

What a set of fools the booksellers were not to shake the Universities independent privileges off, but you are right, they have no principle of honor, therefore no good can arise from their measures.

The Westminster Election is over, and despotism has strengthened her hands by the measure.² What has got the reformers? and where is the cause which lately made so much noise fled? I have done a little toward the sale of the trials, and by degrees I hope to procure a few Subscribers. How do you get forward with them?

Wishing you all manner of happiness in your family, and prosperity in business, together with a sound mind in a healthy Body, I remain