1354. Robert Southey to Longmans, 25 August 1807 ⁠* 

August 25. 1807.

Dear Sirs,

The motives which induced me to propose selling an edition of the Cid may be very soon explained. [1]  I have been settling myself here in a permanent place of abode, and in consequence many unavoidable expenses have been incurred. Among others, that of removing from Bristol a much larger library than perhaps any other man living, whose means are so scanty, is possessed of. I thank you for the manner in which you have objected to purchasing it, and am more gratified by it than I should have been by your acceptance. The sale of this book cannot be so doubtful as that of a poem. A part of it shall be sent up in a few days, and the sooner it is put to press the better. If it suits you, I should much like to let Pople print it. [2]  He has not made all the haste he could with Palmerin, [3]  but he has taken great pains with it; for never had printer a more perplexed copy to follow, and he has been surprisingly correct.

I do not know what the state of my account with you is. Mr. Aikin has sent me no returns either for this year’s reviewing or the last. [4]  I suppose, however, that the edition of Espriella [5]  will about balance it; and if I may look to you for about 1501. between this and the end of the year, my exigencies will be supplied. Meantime I am desirous that my exertions should be proportionate to my wants. The old edition of Don Quixote, [6]  if carefully collated and corrected, will, I believe, be very superior to any other. As soon as the original arrives, with the remainder of my books, from London, I shall be able to speak decisively; but I have little or no doubt but it will prove as I expect. If this be the case, I am ready to undertake it, to supply such preliminaries as I formerly stated, and to add notes.

The ‘Catalogue Raisonné’ cannot be executed by a single person. [7]  I could do great part of it, – probably all except the legal and scientific departments. Upon this matter I will think, and write to you in a few days. [8] 

What is this History of South America which I am told is announced? [9]  I am getting on with my own Brazil and the River Plata, and it is not possible that any man in England can have one-tenth part of the materials which I possess for such a work. [10]  Were you to see the manuscripts which I possess, you would be fully convinced of this; and without seeing them you can hardly form an estimate of their value and importance.         .          .          .          .          .          .          .          .

Yours truly,

R. Southey.