1361. Robert Southey to Samuel Reid, 20 September 1807
1361. Robert Southey to Samuel Reid, 20 September 1807 *
My dear Reid
Your letter has slipt my memory by slipping under some papers out of sight – I beg your pardon for this very unintentional neglect.
There is little or no chance of procuring any of the books you mention in England. A copy of the Partidas [1] was wanted for the defence of that scoundrel General Picton, [2] & his council after long search were glad to xxx meet with one in Heber’s library. I have one & should be glad if I could spare it, – but it is of such daily use that this is impossible. If Dr Toulmin [3] pleases I will, with great pleasure, write to my Uncle to procure the books from Madrid, where, & where only, they are likely to be had, –but there is great reason to fear that before such a commission could be executed xxx xxx xxx xxx, either Spain or Portugal will be at war, or the English expelled from Lisbon this latter I confidently expect, as one xxx consequence of our buccaneering attempts on South America.
I have to thank you for the trouble you took with my packages, all of which xxx arrived in excellent order. [4] Edith & Mrs Lovell beg to be remembered to you & your mother – so does Tom – I have a little girl & little boy whom I hope you will one day be prevailed upon to form an acquaintance with & be introduced to Derwentwater & Skiddaw at the same time
yrs very truly
Robert Southey
Keswick. Sept 20. 1807
Notes
* Address: To Mr Samuel Reid/ [MS obscured]/ Liverpool
Stamped: [MS
obscured]
Postmark: [MS obscured]
Endorsement: 1807 Robt Southey Keswick 20/ 22 Sept./ Respect. Books
for Dr Toulmin his packages have arrived./ no answer required./ I wrote to Dr Toulmin Sept 22
MS: Princeton
University Library. ALS; 3p.
Unpublished. BACK
[1] Southey owned Gregorio López de Tovar (1496–1560), Las Siete Partidas del Sabio Rey Don Alonso el Nono Glosadas (1789). BACK
