University College, Gower Street
8th Jan., 1850

    My dear Sir,

        I rejoice in your ward-mote exertions, and I beg you will not think that I am indifferent to them.*

        On Wednesday I have to attend a meeting of our Professors here which will interfere with the Ward-mote. . . . I exceedingly want presence of mind, if there is any tumult, so as to remember quickly enough what is to be said. Against a mob I could act with firmness, but I could not speak with promptitude. Moreover, I suffer physically from the air of a crowded room, and never go to hear a speech when there is a chance of my being able to read it.

    *Sieveking, quoting from a note provided by Miss Toulmin Smith, adds, "This refers to 'a series of meetings during the winter of 1849-50 in one of the Wards of the City of London; part of a movement endeavouring to rouse the citizens to a sense of civic local duties'" (p. 367).