3881. Robert Southey to [Bernard Barton], 8 August 1822

 

MS: Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford, MS. Autogr. b. 7. ALS; 2p.
Unpublished.

Keswick. 8 Aug. 1822
My dear Sir

You would have suffered no disappointment on the present occasion, if your friends had known – I will not say as much of what is called the World as I do (for they may easily know more) but as much of natural causes & probable effects.

(1)

Bernard Barton, Napoleon, and Other Poems (London, 1822), p. [v], was dedicated to George IV. Barton may have been offended not to receive any acknowledgement of his dedication.

My advice to you had I been on the spot to have given it, would have been, after writing as you have written, to dedicate as you intended & have done – to sen present the book tho the regular channel of the Librarian,

(2)

Charles Sumner (1790–1874; DNB) was domestic chaplain and librarian to George IV 1821–1826, Bishop of Llandaff 1826–1827, Bishop of Winchester 1827–1869. Barton wished to place a copy of his book in the Royal Library at Windsor.

& then to leave it to its fate, hoping nothing & expecting nothing. Nothing was to be gained by showing any solicitude concerning the event, – but something might be lost.

I am not acquainted with the Librarian, & could be of no use to you in that quarter. – Your views should be directed to this Literary Academy,

(3)

The Royal Society of Literature, founded in 1820.

– of which I know nothing more than what the newspapers tell me, – but which proposes (if I understand its meaning) to grant honorary annuities, as well as to offer premiums.

The first opportunity which I shall have of noticing your writings, will be in an account of the Xxxx Gregoires Histoire des Sectes Religieuses, which will be my next article in the QR.

(4)

Southey’s review of Henri Grégoire (1750–1831), Histoire des Sectes Religieuse, qui, Depuis de Commencement du Siecle Dernier Jusqu’a l’Epoque Actuelle, sont Nées, se sont Modifiées, se sont Éteintes dans le Quatre Parties du Monde (1814), Quarterly Review, 28 (October 1822), 1–46, published 15 February 1823. (The book was no. 2838 in the sale catalogue of Southey’s library.) On pp. 4–5 of his review, Southey included a lengthy recommendation of Barton’s poetry for its ‘pure and religious spirit’ and quoted Barton’s poem ‘The Pool of Bethesda’, from Napoleon, and Other Poems (London, 1822), pp…

– Be assured that I shall not omit any opportunity which I can find

When you sent a copy to Murray, for himself, – you did not call to mind the old proverb about sending coals to Newcastle. In all likelihood he looked at upon it as intended for the QR.

(5)

i.e. that Murray supposed Barton wished his poem to be reviewed in the Quarterly Review.

& did not suppose that it required an acknowledgement.

I have been very unwell, but am now thank God recovered. At this season I am more occupied by friends, & chance visitors, than even by my own arduous pursuits during the rest of the year. And the busiest man in England cannot have less time to himself.

farewell – & believe me
Yours truly
R Southey.

Notes

1. Bernard Barton, Napoleon, and Other Poems (London, 1822), p. [v], was dedicated to George IV. Barton may have been offended not to receive any acknowledgement of his dedication.[back]
2. Charles Sumner (1790–1874; DNB) was domestic chaplain and librarian to George IV 1821–1826, Bishop of Llandaff 1826–1827, Bishop of Winchester 1827–1869. Barton wished to place a copy of his book in the Royal Library at Windsor.[back]
3. The Royal Society of Literature, founded in 1820.[back]
4. Southey’s review of Henri Grégoire (1750–1831), Histoire des Sectes Religieuse, qui, Depuis de Commencement du Siecle Dernier Jusqu’a l’Epoque Actuelle, sont Nées, se sont Modifiées, se sont Éteintes dans le Quatre Parties du Monde (1814), Quarterly Review, 28 (October 1822), 1–46, published 15 February 1823. (The book was no. 2838 in the sale catalogue of Southey’s library.) On pp. 4–5 of his review, Southey included a lengthy recommendation of Barton’s poetry for its ‘pure and religious spirit’ and quoted Barton’s poem ‘The Pool of Bethesda’, from Napoleon, and Other Poems (London, 1822), pp. [182]–185 in its entirety.[back]
5. i.e. that Murray supposed Barton wished his poem to be reviewed in the Quarterly Review.[back]
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