3748. Robert Southey to John May, 14 November 1821⁠* 

Keswick. 14 Nov. 1821

My dear friend

I inclose the seventh letter of reminiscencies. [1]  This is making progress, slow indeed, but I hope, sure, – & I feel an increasing interest in the task.

Your last gave me I know not whether most concern or satisfaction, – if that may be called satisfaction which is felt when we see ill fortune admirably sustained. The affairs of the world are in better hands than ours; & were your property saved from the wreck, I should regard the impending evils of Brazil, without anxiety, tho not without sorrow. [2]  The tendency there is to disunion, & if the separate republics into which it is likely to split do not commence hostilities against each other, the deserts which separate them will be the only cause; & intestine commotions will be give each enough to do at home, – especially when we recollect the fearful proportion of the xx black population! The separation of the two countries being now, I think, inevitable (it is the natural & direct consequence of the Revolution at home) the best thing which can be wished for Brazil, is the speedy formation of a federal government, & a Congress. But if this was so difficult in English-America that it could hardly have been effected by any other man than Washington, [3]  aided too by friends worthy of such a man, – what must it be among the Brazilians!

Since my last letter was written, I spent a week at Lowther, & having lamed myself the first day by a quarrel between my foot & my boot, in which skin gave way to leather, past all my mornings (& the morning there reached far into the evening) among the books, at hard work. I found there a most extensive collection of old pamphlets, from James 1^st  [4]  downwards. – & extracted from them largely. They added much to my knowledge of Cromwells time, made me fully acquainted with some points of which I had never before been able to obtain satisfactory information, & confirmed, I think in every instance, the view I had taken of that age. It will be Murraylemagnes fault if I do not enlarge the life of Cromwell as was done with that of Nelson. [5] 

At present I am reviewing Dobrizhoffer. [6]  Copies of Sara Coleridges translation are, or are to will be sent to John, & William Coleridge, – both to the chambers of the former because we knew not Williams direction. They will be interested with the book, & will admire the industry & attainments which are displayed in the translation, – a most extraordinary work for one so young.

The History of the Pen: War keeps me also pretty closely employed. 53 sheets are printed, – & I have got so much ahead of the printer [7]  as to have time for executing this Review (a needful part of my ways & means) before he will overtake me.

Your goddaughter & the children, [8]  thank God are well. Edith has not been so, – the stomach is the seat of her ailments, & they produce a deplorable effect upon her spirits at times, – such indeed as to give me serious concern & apprehension. At present she is tolerably well, – & like xx you, I endeavour always to hope for the best, & have a constitution which assists me in so doing. But my pillow is not without thorns, – tho it is only to you that I say it. My brother Tom is preparing a load of cares for me. He has seven children, & another coming, [9]  – & is likely to have as many more. What is to become of them is a thought which sits much more easily upon him than it does upon me.

In Labore Quies. [10]  I think of these things as little as I can, & gain tranquillity by living “labourious days.” [11] My little boy is a delightful creature, – I have taught him to look at the lamb & the lark – (tell Charlotte) - [12]  with great success. Would that you were near enough to look at us! And, in the language of Buonapartes Government, Keswick is three hours nearer London than it was last summer. [13]  Our mail now arrives between 12 & 1 – on the second day.

God bless you. Let me hear from you shortly. Remember me to your fire side, & believe me

Yrs most affectionately

Robert Southey.