'Flattered' by H.'s note, '... but yet the strong inclination of my opinion is against standing for Oxford'. Gives reasons; offer from Mr [? David Alphonso] Talboys; cost would be £6-700 but S. believes it could be as much as £3,000; explains his financial position; 'I must add that I do not think I shd make a good candidate.' Has never made a speech; 'The University considers me as the first person who broached the spoilation of the Irish Church, as an enemy to corn laws, a friend of House of Lords reform, an intimate friend of Hampden's, & in short as a pestilent agitator.' Feels that even if he entered House of Commons he would diminish not increase his usefulness. Illness prevents him working in winter and has heavy legal business; sorry to give reasons in full but '... they are necessary as my excuses for what may appear a selfish retreat from duty'. Draft. Attached is [? final] draft of the letter, dated: 1837, June 20. Includes additional note 'Mr Talboys now proposes that Mr [Samuel] Jones Loyd shd be applied to.' Has been offered Bristol where '... the liberal party wd frank their candidate' thus removing Nassau William Senior's financial obstacle, but will probably decline.