1884. Robert Southey to John Rickman, 12 March 1811 ⁠* 

Keswick. March 12. 1811.

My dear Rickman

Murray has sent me two proofs of the Review [1]  straight – telling me he did so to save time, & that he has sent them to you also. Now do not you suppose from this that the said Murray has received the slightest hint or intimation from me that you xxxx <are> a party concerned. I kept the first proof three days, – in case you should send me yours with any alteration. – In my own part saving correcting the manifold nonsense of the printer I have only expunged the first page, so that it now [MS torn] with the lines from Cowper. [2] 

I am not satisfied with what I have done. Pasley’s is too good a [MS torn] for reviewing. Your matter makes up however for the want of any thing [MS torn]nal in mine – & if we can but Paslefy the Review, – it is doing something towards inoculating the whole ministerial world with the right John-Bull virus.

Your Greek [3]  tells me the end of a dismal history. It shocked me the more because I could not but think it was quite as well for the world that he was out of it, – & better for himself. Poor fellow, [4]  in an evil hour did he become acquainted with me, & yet had he always listened to me he might at this day have been a happy & useful member of society. –––

Your parcel has arrived safely at Durham, – but they must receive a yet unwritten letter from hence before they know who to thank for it. My sister there has presented me with a niece a few days ago.

The Irish papers are not a little instructive. The Emancipators here have made the Catholicks perfectly frantic – & the Irish are such fools as <to> believe that Ld Grenville cares a fig about them, & to forget all the floggings & half-hangings which were sanctioned by the Cabinet in which he was a leading member. – Whenever he talks about goading the Irish to rebellion, he should be reminded of those measures & of his nephew Sir Watkins Lambs. [5] 

God bless you

RS.