Pancakes and fritters at King's; prayers, salt fish and a pint of sherry between five afterwards at Peterhouse. Contrition at not writing sooner. William John Steele in a very bad state. 'Those immeasurable quantities of spirits that used to flow down his throat and yours have injured his liver as well as his reputation whatever it may have done to yours.' (Cf. M.TAIT 5). Everyone has failed to persuade him to go to London and get some first rate advice.
He hears nothing from Belfast now but marriages and giving in marriage, and one such will take him to Belfast on the 6th or 7th and hopes to see Tait on the evening of the 7th. His brother James will also be in Belfast from the 4th or 5th.
John William Taylor has been in residence and W.A.P. lent him his rooms for a grand musical party. 'He is away again and I think it very doubtful myself whether he will ever again reside and lecture.'
He (W.A.P.) is disenchanted with the prospect of a life of coaching and has almost made up his mind to go into the church as he takes more interest in philosophy and theology for his private study than in mathematics. 'With you I think it is different. You have a far more genuine love of mathematics than ever I had, but I am not quite certain that it is strong enough to make you spend your life at it. At any rate, My dear Tait, remember Steele and take care of your liver.'