1274. Robert Southey to John Rickman, 13 February 1807 ⁠* 

My dear Rickman

I like your notion of the Vampire much. [1]  the Post Office acknowledged their mistake about the privilege, but insisted upon the flaw in the date.

The MS. of Don M. [2]  goes up always thro Wynn which is better than sending it with a double inclosure; – but if you have leisure to run over the proofs – you might see something to amend – always remember that I know yours is a rapid eye as well as my own, – & that what would be asking G. D. for half a days labour – is asking you for ten minutes.

I get on well with Brazil – but am not certain with what degree of minuteness I should enter into the affairs of the Rio de la Plata, – a history which might easily be included if advisable, & as it must be often alluded to, – I am in want of the Captains old friend Ramusio, [3]  & must try if Heber has a copy – I want also & much want – the France Antarticque of Thevet, [4]  – tho the man as I suspected from Lery [5]  & find by Thuanus [6]  was a rogue & a liar. My next business in London will be to overhaul the Museum [7]  for such references as I cannot else get at – & this may be left till the volume be done.

Americo Vespucci [8]  seems to have been the first man who formed a settlement in Brazil. how nearly this man had won the palm from Magalhaens which he stole from Columbus! [9]  – His own accounts are curiously dishonest – you would judge from them that he was the Commander, & he takes care never to mention any persons name that the whole glory may be his own.

There are yet some books about Peru which I must in conscience go thro – but which it is not necessary yet to send for – I have also somewhere – & I think it must be in London – but am not sure. an English translation of Acugnas (Acuña it should be) voyage down the Amazons – a book which my Uncle (who is certainly the best Brazilian living – if I may use that word as we say Grecian –) has been long & vainly seeking in any form. [10]  It is a duodecimos newly lettered in green, – if it happens to catch your eye put it where it may be laid hands on easily.

My book promises to be very interesting, & will I think bring together a greater body of information concerning 1. the interior of S. America – 2. savage manners – 3. the means of taming savages – & 4 colonial policy – than can elsewhere be found xx xxxx other manner than in the way except by going to my documents. What a happy thing it is to love labour! I do not think there is a happier being than myself upon the face of Gods earth.

We had a loud clap of thunder lately in the midst of a snow-storm! – Do you know that wood-pigeons eat acorns? – we have found their crops full of them – but what a size for their throats & what work for their gizzards!

Remember me to Mrs R.

God bless you —

RS.

Friday. Feb^y 13. 1807.