Letter to Thomas Hunter

Letter sent from Machynlleth, Montgomeryshire, labelled "private". Cobden thanks Hunter for his letter, saying his break in Wales has been beneficial but for the burden of unsolicited correspondence ("enough to drive one crazy"). He says the only refuge for him would be the continent and has made up his mind to visit the capitals of France, Spain, Austria, Prussia and Russia "to indoctrinate them with free trade views". Cobden says "I will be the first ambassador from the people of this country to the rulers of the continent!" However, he admits he is still worried about his private business and financial affairs. He concludes that as he is satisfied that the business has recently been set on a firmer footing since the departure of Hyland and that the accounts are safe in his brother's hands, he will maintain the firm, leaving the business side of affairs to Frederick Cobden. Cobden again stresses the private nature of the communication.