1410. Robert Southey to John Rickman, [3 January 1808] ⁠* 

My dear Rickman

I send you the inclosed, supposing that you know where to direct it, which I do not.

I am shall get to press with the first vol of Brazil almost immediately on my return; [1]  – the French books wanting shall be had, if they are to be found in England or in France; – for after searching the public libraries I will go to all the private ones to which access can be procured. I shall also be able to send the Portugueze History to press nearly at the same time – if I can find two or three Spanish Chronicles which are wanting, & which may probably be found either at Lord Hollands or Lord Butes. [2] 

Longman will find Mort Arthur [3]  in the same size as Amadis, [4]  & [MS torn] well pleased to have prints of costume; – if we can devise the means of having them xxxxxx designed to our liking. I do not think a whole volume of introductory matter will be too much, – allowing about a third of it for critical bibliology. There is the question to examine how far the books of chivalry grew out of the manners of the age, & how far those manners were produced by them. Few persons have so great a mass of xxxx knowledge at command to bear upon this enquiry as I have. – They will be twelvemonths printing the romance & in that time there will be hours of inclination enough to produce these historicalx dissertations.

This removal of the Portugueze court [5]  is the best possible event for Brazil & for England, – not to mention my history. It was effected in the only way in which any person who knew the Prince could suppose it possible, – from fear not from firmness, – he embarked in the night & ran away, – instead of taking with him all the who wished to go, & leaving a capital to the French stript of its treasure & its best population. But the nobles who followed him & abandoned their property deserve great praise.

Remembrances to Mrs R –

God bless you

RS.