4151. Robert Southey to Grosvenor Charles Bedford, 7 March 1824

 

Address: To/ G. C. Bedford Esqre./ Exchequer/ Westminster
Stamped: KESWICK/ 298
Postmark: E/ 10 MR 10/ 1824
Endorsements: 7 March 1824; 7 March 1824
MS: Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford, MS. Eng. lett. c. 26. ALS; 4p.
Previously published: Kenneth Curry (ed.), New Letters of Robert Southey, 2 vols (London and New York, 1965), II, pp. 263–264.
Note on MS: This letter is written on a sheet of paper printed at the head with the following: TO BE/ PUBLISHED/ BY/ SUBSCRIPTION, IN THREE VOLS. OCTAVO,/ PRICE, £2. S2./ (The money to be paid on delivery,)/ A CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF THE/ WEST INDIES,/ BY CAPTAIN THOMAS SOUTHEY, COMMANDER/ ROYAL NAVY. [Tom Southey’s Chronological History of the West Indies (1827) was finally published by Longmans.]

My dear G.

If you can render any assistance in furthering this subscription, I need not say that xx it will be rendering me a service. Longman will print 750 copies provided we can procure 200 subscribers to begin with. That we shall be able to do this I am by no means confident; but it must not fall to the ground for want of exertion on my part.

The plan was of my suggestion. The subject cannot be treated in any other way so well, for it includes the whole of the islands, & therefore has neither national or territorial unity. At proper intervals I shall assist him with general views, – & throughout with such materials & remarks as my multifarious pursuits have brought within my reach. – It will be a very respectable book, bringing together a great deal of matter from scattered sources, & filling up a portion of history which disgraceful as it is in every point of view to every nation whom it concerns, ought nevertheless to be known

Can you put me in the way of getting a daily paper without paying the full price for one? I have just lost the Courier

(1)

The Courier (1792–1842) was a pro-government daily London evening paper. Stuart bought it in 1796. However, he had taken little active part in the Courier since 1811 and had finally sold his share in its ownership.

– for which I have been obliged to Stuart ever since I have resided in this place. In the years 98 & 99 I was his Poet Laureate & wrote verses at a guinea a week for the Morning Post.

(2)

The Morning Post (1772–1937), a London daily paper. When Southey wrote for the Morning Post it was an opposition paper. Stuart was its owner 1795–1803.

That pay was then a great object to me; & I must say of him that of all persons with whom I have ever been connected in the way of trade he has been the is the one whom I have served least, & who has shewn himself most sensible of the service. But he has now parted with his last share in the Courier & consequently I no longer receive it. I could very well be content with my weekly Westmorland Gazette,

(3)

The Westmorland Gazette is a weekly newspaper, based in Kendal, founded in 1818. At this time it was pro-government.

but it is not proper that I should so content myself. It is quite necessary that I should be not be ignorant of what is going on at home & abroad – but if you can help me to get a morning paper at half price, – it will answer as well as an evening one at the first cost.

The Bp of London has written to express the “high satisfaction” with which he has read my Book.

(4)

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

And I have had a message to the same effect from the Bp. of Durham.

(5)

Shute Barrington (1734–1826; DNB), Bishop of Durham 1791–1826.

God bless you
RS.

Isabel blows the horn better than I do.

(6)

A kind of bugle that Southey had bought as a joke, as his sister-in-law Sara Coleridge had a horror of loud noises.

But practise makes perfect, – & I am aiming at perfection

Keswick. 7 March. 1824.

Notes

1. The Courier (1792–1842) was a pro-government daily London evening paper. Stuart bought it in 1796. However, he had taken little active part in the Courier since 1811 and had finally sold his share in its ownership.[back]
2. The Morning Post (1772–1937), a London daily paper. When Southey wrote for the Morning Post it was an opposition paper. Stuart was its owner 1795–1803.[back]
3. The Westmorland Gazette is a weekly newspaper, based in Kendal, founded in 1818. At this time it was pro-government.[back]
4. Southey’s The Book of the Church (1824).[back]
5. Shute Barrington (1734–1826; DNB), Bishop of Durham 1791–1826.[back]
6. A kind of bugle that Southey had bought as a joke, as his sister-in-law Sara Coleridge had a horror of loud noises.[back]
TEI Link
TEI
Volume Editor(s)
Lynda Pratt
Ian Packer