William Wilberforce, London, to John Ryland, Jr., Bristol, 29 March 1821.

My dear Sir.

  I doubt whether it be not contrary to Law, to pay by a check any Sum at a distance from London.  If you learn that it is so, you may return me mine, & I will take the first opportunity I can, of sending it into the City: but it is a long way.   I shall be glad to have the life also: – indeed I thought it had constituted the first volume.  As you say another volume will be out in a few days, I will draw my draft for 12s/ more, for that also, & you perhaps can order it to be sent to me at Hatchard’s Piccadilly, or at No 8 Downing St     Many thanks to you for your interesting E. India Intelligence.  I heard the other day that Mr Brougham had laid aside his intention of prosecuting his bill this year; & this seems so probable that I believe it.  I have not time to enter into any discussion of the R. Catholic question; but I cannot acquiesce in your manner of putting it, – that the Hands of the R. C. are not tied behind them.  On the contrary I believe that their power is great, & the influence of their Priests more operative now than it would be if they were allowed themselves to come into Parliament, instead of Electing Representatives who are called Protestants.  I am always gratified by your communications – & 

  Remain

  My dear Sir

  Yours sincerely

  W Wilberforce

To the Revd Dr Ryland

Text:  Wilberforce-Ryland Letters, shelfmark MS. G97a, Bristol Baptist College Library, fol. 10 (letter is not in Wilberforce’s hand).