3991. Robert Southey to Herbert Hill, 28 March 1823

 

Address: To/ The Reverend Herbert Hill/ Streatham,/ Surrey
Stamped: KESWICK/ 298
Postmarks: E/ 31 MR 31/18xx; 10 F. NOON xx/ MR. 31/ 1823
Seal: red wax; design illegible 
MS: Keswick Museum and Art Gallery, WC 229. ALS; 4p.
Unpublished.

Keswick. 28 March. 1823

I have been writing to Harry to procure Tom’s credentials for Canada, without delay. A vessel sails from Maryport, on the 10th of April, in which he talks of embarking, to reconnoitre the land, & prepare the way for his family.

(1)

In fact, Tom Southey sailed from Whitehaven on 20 April 1823 on the brig Maria and reached Quebec on 27 May. He investigated emigrating to Canada but decided against this option.

That there was no other possible course for him to pursue, I have long perceived, without overlooking the difficulties in this. But it is a course, which in his circumstances I should certainly long ago have pursued. This however does not lighten the weight which such with which it lies upon my spirits.

Yesterday I heard from Knox,

(2)

John William Knox (1784–1862), clergyman, scholar and usher at Westminster School 1806–1821.

on his arrival in London. Perhaps you will have seen him ere this reaches you; as he announced his intention of walking to Streatham as soon as he should have settled himself in town quarters. From him I hear that Edward was fifth in the challenge; – if so, there is little doubt of his getting in.

(3)

Edward Hill had taken ‘The Challenge’, a gruelling examination at Westminster School to select the school’s King’s Scholars. This position had considerable advantages, including the right to proceed to a Closed Scholarship at either Trinity College, Cambridge, or Christ Church, Oxford. Usually, ten boys were chosen each year, so Edward Hill was guaranteed a place.

I cannot yet see the time of my departure,

(4)

Southey was planning a journey to London but did not leave until 3 November 1823.

but am working strenuously towards that end. As usual my book

(5)

Southey’s The Book of the Church (1824).

grows under my hands, & what was intended for a small duodecimo, will be a full sized octavo volume; – – a good & useful one, I really hope. Probably I shall bring some work with me to Streatham. So many persons have asked me about Spanish affairs, that I have asked Gifford whether he wishes me to take up the subject; if he replies in the affirmative, I shall begin the paper here, & finish it under your roof, – which will be no trifling advantage.

(6)

Southey did not write this article for the Quarterly Review.

When I am in town, it is my intention to talk with Murray about printing a selection of my papers from the Q.R.

(7)

This project became Essays, Moral and Political (1832).

If they were duly arranged, with restorations, & some corrections & additions, they might bring me both credit & profit. In this forthcoming number there is an account of the Theophilanthropists in France, introductory to a sketch of the rise & progress of Infidelity.

(8)

Southey’s review of Henri Grégoire (1750–1831), ‘Histoire de la Théophilantropie, depuis sa Naissance jusqu’à son Extinction’, part of Grégoire’s 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, 2 vols (Paris, 1814), II, pp. 55–171, Quarterly Review, 28 (January 1823), 493–536, published 8 July 1823. The book was no. 2838 in the sale catalogue of Southey’s library.

Upon reading it consecutively in the proofs, I was glad that I had written it.

Turner has just compleated his historical labours

(9)

Sharon Turner, History of England (1814–1823), no. 2838 in the sale catalogue of Southey’s library.

– & in consequence I shall begin a series of papers upon English history, which after they have served their main purpose in the QR may form a correspondent volume to the B. of the Church.

(10)

Southey did not write these articles for the Quarterly Review, or ‘The Book of the State’, which he planned as a companion to his The Book of the Church (1824).

Blanco looks upon the affairs of Spain as I do, without a wish to throw into either scale, – & without hope. Wishes, & strong ones I should have, were the French a nation who could be trusted: but who can expect honour or principle from them! – One of the new Sp. Ministers Flores Estrada

(11)

Alvaro Florez Estrada (1765–1853), Spanish lawyer, politician and journalist. He played a prominent role in politics in 1808–1814, before going into exile, only returning after the revolution of 1820. At this time he was not a Minister, but he was a member of the Cortes. He was from the mountainous area of Asturias.

I met once at Goodens, – a tremendous fellow he is, hard as the iron of his own mountains. I see nothing but utter ruin for that poor country, – in the total destruction of all property that can be destroyed, – a war of banditti over the whole land; a government supported by a foreign force, & wholly without resources.

As for any danger of our being involved in the war, I do not dream of it.

Love to my Aunt & the children -

God bless you
RS.

The R. Irish Academy have sent me another tail to my name.

(12)

Southey had been elected an Honorary Member of the Royal Irish Academy (founded 1785), a body to promote Irish scientific and cultural activities and studies.

Notes

1. In fact, Tom Southey sailed from Whitehaven on 20 April 1823 on the brig Maria and reached Quebec on 27 May. He investigated emigrating to Canada but decided against this option.[back]
2. John William Knox (1784–1862), clergyman, scholar and usher at Westminster School 1806–1821.[back]
3. Edward Hill had taken ‘The Challenge’, a gruelling examination at Westminster School to select the school’s King’s Scholars. This position had considerable advantages, including the right to proceed to a Closed Scholarship at either Trinity College, Cambridge, or Christ Church, Oxford. Usually, ten boys were chosen each year, so Edward Hill was guaranteed a place.[back]
4. Southey was planning a journey to London but did not leave until 3 November 1823.[back]
5. Southey’s The Book of the Church (1824).[back]
6. Southey did not write this article for the Quarterly Review.[back]
7. This project became Essays, Moral and Political (1832).[back]
8. Southey’s review of Henri Grégoire (1750–1831), ‘Histoire de la Théophilantropie, depuis sa Naissance jusqu’à son Extinction’, part of Grégoire’s 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, 2 vols (Paris, 1814), II, pp. 55–171, Quarterly Review, 28 (January 1823), 493–536, published 8 July 1823. The book was no. 2838 in the sale catalogue of Southey’s library.[back]
9. Sharon Turner, History of England (1814–1823), no. 2838 in the sale catalogue of Southey’s library.[back]
10. Southey did not write these articles for the Quarterly Review, or ‘The Book of the State’, which he planned as a companion to his The Book of the Church (1824).[back]
11. Alvaro Florez Estrada (1765–1853), Spanish lawyer, politician and journalist. He played a prominent role in politics in 1808–1814, before going into exile, only returning after the revolution of 1820. At this time he was not a Minister, but he was a member of the Cortes. He was from the mountainous area of Asturias.[back]
12. Southey had been elected an Honorary Member of the Royal Irish Academy (founded 1785), a body to promote Irish scientific and cultural activities and studies.[back]
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