4003. Robert Southey to John May, 19 April 1823

 

Endorsement: No. 233. 1822/ Robert Southey/ Keswick 19th April/ recd. 22d do/ ansd 25th July
Watermark: I & E C/ 1819
MS: Robert Southey Collection, Harry Ransom Center, The University of Texas at Austin. ALS; 2p.
Previously published: Charles Ramos (ed.), The Letters of Robert Southey to John May: 1797–1838 (Austin, Texas, 1976), p. 201.

Keswick. 19 Apr. 1823
My dear friend

The demand upon me which I expected in the course of last month has been delayed till now; – & if in the course of a fortnight you will lodge one hundred & eleven pounds for me in Bedfords hands this will be a better way than drawing upon you for it, as it will save the stamp.

(1)

Southey was secretly investing in Richard Westall (1765–1836; DNB), Roderick, the Last of the Goths, by R. Southey. Illustrated with Engravings from the Designs of R. W. (1824), nos 2627–2628 in the sale catalogue of Southey’s library. This was published by Longman and individual images could be inserted into Southey’s Roderick, the Last of the Goths (1814).

He may be found either at No 9 Stafford Row Buckingham Gate, – or any time after breakfast – at the Exchequer.

My brother Tom was to sail on Thursday to reconnoitre his grant in Canada, – a business which has occupied much of my thoughts for some time past, – & will long continue so to do.

(2)

Tom Southey sailed from Whitehaven on 20 April 1823 on the brig Maria and reached Quebec on 27 May. He was considering emigrating to Canada but decided not to do so after visiting the country.

I write in haste, – having many dispatches to make up for this post. – We are all tolerably well thank God. Your god daughter busily employed in making certain memoranda of this country with her pencil, – which are designed for you, – but I believe this ought to be a secret, till I appear with them in town. Cuthbert is reduced to two breakfasts, but continues firm in his archepiscopal determination.

Are you & Mrs May the better for your return to Richmond? You will have enjoyed the change heartily if your weather has been as fine as yours ours

I will write shortly at more length. Would that I could see the end of the work upon which I am employed. It is even mortifying to perceive as I proceed with what want either of diligence, or fidelity, or feeling, – or of all three. English history, – & especially church history – has been written.

(3)

Southey was writing his Book of the Church (1824).

And how impudently a dishonest writer relies upon the ignorance – & therefore, the credulity, of his readers.

God bless you
Yrs affectionately
Robert Southey.

Notes

1. Southey was secretly investing in Richard Westall (1765–1836; DNB), Roderick, the Last of the Goths, by R. Southey. Illustrated with Engravings from the Designs of R. W. (1824), nos 2627–2628 in the sale catalogue of Southey’s library. This was published by Longman and individual images could be inserted into Southey’s Roderick, the Last of the Goths (1814).[back]
2. Tom Southey sailed from Whitehaven on 20 April 1823 on the brig Maria and reached Quebec on 27 May. He was considering emigrating to Canada but decided not to do so after visiting the country.[back]
3. Southey was writing his Book of the Church (1824).[back]
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