3882. Robert Southey to Humphrey Senhouse, 9 August 1822

 

Address: To/ Humphrey Senhouse Esqre/ Netherhall/ Maryport
Stamped: KESWICK/ 298
Seal: red wax
Endorsement: Health of C. E. Henry who was wounded in the head by the bursting of a cannon which he had overloaded to fire a salute.
MS: Department of Rare Books, Special Collections and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester, Robert Southey Papers A.S727. ALS; 2p.
Unpublished.

Keswick. 9 Aug. 1822.
My dear Senhouse

Young Henry has been & is going on as well as could be hoped & better far than could be expected.

(1)

Charles Edward Henry (1807–1833), the younger of Peachy’s two stepsons. His accident occurred on 2 August 1822 and was widely reported in the newspapers (without naming him): ‘A young gentleman, by way of saluting some friends who were taking their departure, fired off a cannon, which unfortunately burst in consequence of being overloaded, and the fragments severely fractured his skull’ (Glasgow Herald, 12 August 1822). The cannon was kept outside Peachy’s house on Derwent Island and was fired as part of the annual Keswick Regatta.

He is far from being out of danger, – but thus far all appearances are favourable; & should he recover, there is now reason to hope that the eye may be saved. His mother is full of hope, & the General has begun to think & talk of other things.

My friends

(2)

John May and his son, John May (1802–1879), visited Southey at Keswick 5 August–2 September 1822.

arrived on Monday; & while I was bidding them welcome on the top of the coach, Dr Bell addressed me from the inside. We are sitting at the receit of visitors, who now present themselves daily, – & you may suppose how fully my time is engaged

Remember us to your daughters

(3)

Elizabeth Senhouse (1805–1890), Catherine Senhouse (1806–1853) and Ellen Senhouse (1808–1838).

& the Miss Woods

(4)

Senhouse’s cousins, Mary Anne Wood (1782–1860) and Frances Wood (dates unknown).

& believe me

Yrs affectionately
Robert Southey.

Notes

1. Charles Edward Henry (1807–1833), the younger of Peachy’s two stepsons. His accident occurred on 2 August 1822 and was widely reported in the newspapers (without naming him): ‘A young gentleman, by way of saluting some friends who were taking their departure, fired off a cannon, which unfortunately burst in consequence of being overloaded, and the fragments severely fractured his skull’ (Glasgow Herald, 12 August 1822). The cannon was kept outside Peachy’s house on Derwent Island and was fired as part of the annual Keswick Regatta.[back]
2. John May and his son, John May (1802–1879), visited Southey at Keswick 5 August–2 September 1822.[back]
3. Elizabeth Senhouse (1805–1890), Catherine Senhouse (1806–1853) and Ellen Senhouse (1808–1838).[back]
4. Senhouse’s cousins, Mary Anne Wood (1782–1860) and Frances Wood (dates unknown).[back]
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