3189. Robert Southey to William Wilberforce, 7 September 1818

3189. Robert Southey to William Wilberforce, 7 September 1818⁠* 

Keswick. 7 Sept. 1818

My dear Sir

Lady Beaumont has rendered any farther enquiry on our part respecting a house unnecessary. The one concerning which she will have written is in many, or in all respects, the most commodious in this place. [1] 

I would gladly accept your kind invitation were it not that besides the ordinary tie of business, I am in daily expectation of a guest from the North, & it is not unlikely that one from the South may make his appearance also.

My Life of Wesley [2]  is nearly half printed, & it is most likely that I shall be able to show you the chapter which I mentioned, in the proof sheets. It is an historical chapter, the purport of which is to show how that general state of indifference & irreligion was brought about, which prevailed in this country when Wesley began his career.

Believe me my dear Sir

most truly & respectfully yours

Robert Southey.

Notes

* Endorsement: Pri Mr Southey
MS: Berg Collection, New York Public Library. ALS; 2p.
Unpublished. BACK

[1] Wilberforce eventually rented two cottages in Rydal when he visited the Lakes. BACK

[2] Chapter 9, The Life of Wesley; and the Rise and Progress of Methodism, 2 vols (London, 1820), I, pp. 305–336. BACK

Addressee

Wordsworth, William (1770–1850)

People mentioned

Beaumont, Margaret, Lady (née Willes; 1756–1829) (mentioned 1 time)

Places mentioned

Keswick (mentioned 1 time)
The Collected Letters of Robert Southey, Part Five
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