4118. Robert Southey to Charles Watkin Williams Wynn, 2 January 1824

 

MS: National Library of Wales, MS 4813D. ALS; 2p.
Unpublished.

My dear Wynn

I have been applied to by Lady Malet,

(1)

Lady Susanna Malet, née Wales (1779–1868), an artist and the widow of Sir Charles Malet, 1st Baronet (1752–1815; DNB). Southey had travelled south from Keswick to London with her in November 1823, and Edith May Southey was staying at Lady Malet’s London house.

whom I should most gladly serve if I could, – to ask if you can assist an arrangement which she has in view

Her fourth son George Grenville Malet

(2)

George Grenville Malet (1805–1856) became a Lieutenant in the 3rd Bombay Light Cavalry on 21 February 1825. He rose to be Lieutenant-Colonel of this regiment and was killed in action in the Anglo-Persian War 1856–1857.

went to Bombay in January last as an Infantry Cadet. She has been trying ever since to get him exchanged into the cavalry at the same Presidency & Mr Morris

(3)

Lieutenant Thomas D’Arcy Morris (1792–1835) of the 12th Native Infantry, Bombay. He was a cadet of the 2nd class of season 1808 and received a captaincy in the 24th Native Infantry on 1 May 1824. Morris was also a poet, whose ‘The Griffin’ (1821) achieved some fame in India.

has assured her that if she can prevail on any one to give him a Cavalry appointment, that person will get his present Infantry Cadetcy. Mr Morris will return to him the first Cavalry appointment which falls to his lot after his re election in April, in exchange for an Infantry one. – If I understand the case, what is requested is the loan of a Cavalry appointment – subject to the chances of Mr Morris’s life & re election. What those chances may be you must know better than I can do, & whether you can render this service to a very estimable family.

I am on the point of leaving town for Devonshire, where a letter directed to the Revd N Lightfoot’s Crediton will find me from Wednesday next till the Sunday following. I return to town on the 21st leave it the 23, & return again on the 5th or 6th of February, when I shall not remain more than two or three days in these parts. Heartily glad shall I be to find myself once more at home & at rest, – for I have scarcely had a sound nights sleep since I left Keswick.

Will you when you see Canning give him the inclosed note, which asks to procure for me the desiderated books from Spain.

(4)

Southey to George Canning, 2 January 1824, Letter 4115.

I looked for you on Monday last, – & will look for you on the 22d if no accident should prevent me from keeping the course of my arrangements. – My daughter is left in town with Lady Malet.

God bless you
RS

Friday 2 o clock. Jany 2. 1824.

Notes

1. Lady Susanna Malet, née Wales (1779–1868), an artist and the widow of Sir Charles Malet, 1st Baronet (1752–1815; DNB). Southey had travelled south from Keswick to London with her in November 1823, and Edith May Southey was staying at Lady Malet’s London house.[back]
2. George Grenville Malet (1805–1856) became a Lieutenant in the 3rd Bombay Light Cavalry on 21 February 1825. He rose to be Lieutenant-Colonel of this regiment and was killed in action in the Anglo-Persian War 1856–1857.[back]
3. Lieutenant Thomas D’Arcy Morris (1792–1835) of the 12th Native Infantry, Bombay. He was a cadet of the 2nd class of season 1808 and received a captaincy in the 24th Native Infantry on 1 May 1824. Morris was also a poet, whose ‘The Griffin’ (1821) achieved some fame in India.[back]
4. Southey to George Canning, 2 January 1824, Letter 4115.[back]
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