1266. Robert Southey to John Rickman, [started before or on 24 January 1807]
1266. Robert Southey to John Rickman, [started before or on 24 January 1807] *
My dear Rickman
The precious package is arrived – [1] so also are the greater part of my materials from Bristol, [2] & I have by this time got a good Pisgah view of the country which is to be travelled. [3] An ugly influence [4] has laid me up for three days, but has done no other harm than putting me to that expence of time which would else have nearly carried D Manuel to the end of his journey. [5] Ovalles History of Chile [6] will prove of much use, – & indeed before I go to press I must go thro all my books which relate to Peru also.
I am sorry Burnett plagues you, & not glad that he plagues any body else. He consults me about plans so little settled, or likely to be settled that he might as well write to consult me about the wind – which would be changed before the question could reach me. It is something however to have taught him to work – which I think you will allow might (before it was done.), have been classed as one of the three impossible things.
I inclose some introductions for Harry, by favour of the Emperor of the Franks [7] – John [8] & the Twopenny. [9]
God bless you
RS.
Notes
* Address: To/ John Rickman Esqr
Endorsement: RS./ end of Jan. Feb. <Begining/ Feb./> 1807.
MS: Huntington Library, RS
104. ALS; 2p.
Unpublished.
Dating note: This letter must date from 24 January or earlier, since enclosed with it were introductions
for Henry Herbert Southey (see Letter 1265). In addition, Southey acknowledges receipt of the box containing material for his
history of Brazil, which was scheduled to arrive on 21 January 1807. BACK
[1] Rickman had sent Southey a box of materials which he needed for his History of Brazil (1810–1819). BACK
[2] From Charles Danvers. BACK
[3] According to the Bible, it was from the summit of Mount Pisgah in Jordan that Moses beheld the Promised Land. BACK
[5] The putative hero of Southey’s Letters from England by Don Manuel Alvarez Espriella. Translated from the Spanish (1807). BACK
[7] Charles Abbot, Speaker of the House of Commons; Rickman was his secretary. BACK
