3192. Robert Southey to John Spedding, 12 September 1818
3192. Robert Southey to John Spedding, 12 September 1818*
Keswick. 12 Sept. 1818
Dear Sir
By yesterdays post a letter from Mrs Clarkson brought an answer to your enquiries concerning the school at Bury. [1] I transcribe her words.
“–to reply to your enquiries after Bury School, I think it is, if possible, increasing in reputation, & I am sure that Dr Malkin [2] gives unremitting attention to it, & takes an interest in his scholars far beyond the generality of Masters. As a school for the education of the sons of gentlemen, & particularly of gentlemen who reside in Bury & have their sons under their own eyes, I should think there is scarcely one equal to it in the kingdom. The town is a good one, & there are schools & masters of all descriptions. – We shall always feel ourselves under the greatest obligation to Dr Malkin for the patient attention which he paid to our boy [3] who was by no means fond of learning, & therefore not likely to reflect that sort of credit on the Master, which boys of brilliant habits talents & studious habits do.”
This is a very satisfactory account, –but you have an opportunity now of learning every thing concerning both the school & the town from Mrs Peachys mother. [4]
Yrs faithfully
Robert Southey.
Notes
* Address: To/ John Spedding Esqr. Mirehouse
Stamped: KESWICK/ 298
Seal: red wax,
design illegible
Endorsement: Letter from Robt Southey/ the Poet – Sep. 1818
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MS: Wordsworth Trust, WLMSS 2/ 6/ 20. ALS; 2p.
Unpublished. BACK
[1] Spedding was seeking a school for his sons: John (1806–1839); James (1808–1881; DNB), future literary editor, biographer and member of the Cambridge Apostles; and Edward (1811–1832). He was clearly pleased with the results of his enquiry and John, James and Edward were sent to the Grammar School at Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. BACK
