1912. Robert Southey to [Thomas Amyot], 29 April 1811
1912. Robert Southey to [Thomas Amyot], 29 April 1811 *
Keswick. April 29. 1811.
Sir [1]
I did not express any acknowledgement for a former communication, inclosing B. General Carrol’s [2] melancholy letter, because I felt unwilling to intrude upon you with a mere repetition of thanks. The narrative with which you have now favoured me arrives at a most seasonable time, & gives me a clear light in that part of the history of the war, where I most wanted it. Do me the favour to present my respects to Col. Stonor, & assure him how greatly I feel obliged to him for this connected view of the arduous & honourable campaign in which he bore a part. [3]
I cannot conclude without congratulating you & the friends of the good cause upon the brighter prospects which have opened upon us. I have been a good & faithful hoper from the first, & in one point only my hopes have deceived me. I expected that more men of military genius would have arisen among the Spaniards. The apparent want of then makes me regret more deeply the loss of Romana [4] & of Albuquerque. [5]
I remain Sir
With much respect
Your much obliged
Robert Southey.
Notes
[1] Amyot is not named as the correspondent, but it is clear from the content of the letter that it is he who is being addressed. In particular, it was Amyot who had acted as Southey’s introduction to Carrol. BACK
[2] William Parker Carrol (1776–1842), liaison officer between the British and Spanish forces. Later promoted to Major-General and Field Marshal in the Spanish Army. BACK
