William Wilberforce, Bath, to John Ryland, Jr., Bristol, 23 April 1821.

My dear Sir.

  I return you many thanks for your very kind & truly interesting narrative.  I myself had a very few lines from John Scott: but I need not assure you that the particulars are in the highest degree interesting to me.

I have reason to believe, indeed to be all but absolutely sure, that Mr Broughams bill will not be proceeded with during this Session.  I had rather you should not quote me as your authority as yet.  But I will endeavor to ascertain, & in a few days, if I do, I will send you positive Information.  I am come hither for a few days, for the purpose of recruiting, after Indispositions which tho not serious, have rather pulled me down in the opinion of my friends.  And having many unanswered letters, I will only assure you of the cordial esteem & regard with which I am 

  My dear Sir

  Yours sincerely

  W Wilberforce

To the Revd Dr Ryland.

Text: Wilberforce-Ryland Letters, shelfmark MS. G97a, Bristol Baptist College Library, fol. 13 (letter is not in Wilberforce’s hand).