Benjamin Haydon letter to Leigh Hunt, February 12, 1813

              Friday Night,  Feby. 12th. 
1813   

My dear Hunt, I am most anxious to see you - but have been refused admittance; and was told yesterday you would write to your friends when you wish¬ed to see them, by Mr. Cave the under Gvernor or Gaoler . I really felt my heart ache at every line of your last week's effusion. All your friends were affected and all complained of the cruelty and severity of your sentence. I am de¬lighted Mrs. Hunt and the children are now ad¬mitted to you, and if they ultimately relax, with respect to your friends, I hope in God the pressure of your imprisonment will be greatly lightened. I must say I have been excessively irritated at not /seeing you/ having seen you yet, and had I /go/ gone to you as I intended the day on which the committee sat I find my dear fellow, I should have been allowed to see you, but I suf¬fered myself to be advised out of my intention. I have never yet acted by the advice of others in opposition to my own judgement without hav¬ing cause to repent it. I assure you my dear Hunt I think of you often with the most melancholy and exquisite sensations. After my day's study, I generally lay my head on my hand, draw nearer to the fire, and muse upon you, till midnight, till I am completely rapt in