3209. Robert Southey to John Murray, 14 November 1818⁠* 

Keswick. 14 Nov. 1818

My dear Sir

I expect this night to finish a paper, – in the prosecution of which I have been interrupted by the illness of one of my children. The child is recovering, & I have regained health & spirits, – both which were suffering. The paper will be dispatched by tomorrows post. It is upon the New Churches & Haydons Letter. The Catacombs I must strike off from the list in the heading, – & send you forth by themselves for the present number: for it is better to make two comparatively short articles, than one long one, when there would have been no necessary connection between the one half & the other. [1]  I have spoken a good word for painting, & given M^r Brougham a hard blow by the way.

I shall be at work for you also about the Copy-right question. [2]  And when these subjects are done, my reviewing shall sleep for one or two numbers, while the time which it would have employed shall be given to the Book of the Church. [3]  The Acta Sanctorum [4]  give me both appetite & food. I mean to make a book which xxx may be read by the wisest men for the matter which it contains, & may & ought to be put into the hands of children as a means of impressing them with respect & veneration for the religion of their country.

Whatever success I may have about painting, the artists ought to give me credit for the ardour with which I have pleaded their cause. I have done my best for them, & that with a hearty good will.

Believe me my dear Sir

yrs very truly

Robert Southey.

I had nearly forgotten to request that you would send M^r Wilberforce a copy of the Origin &c of the New System of Education [5]  – with my compliments.