1724. Robert Southey to [Mary Matilda Betham], 27 December 1809 ⁠* 

The Pictures [1]  arrived this day <having come> by the Mail Coach – xx xxxx xxxxx xxxxxx xx xxxx xxx xxx, – & as was to be expected the large glass broken into fifty pieces. All the others by good fortune have escaped. It is well for the frame-maker that I am not Buonaparte, – as I should think cutting his ears off not too severe a punishment for the absurdity of sending such things by such a conveyance, when the waggon would have brought them with perfect safety, at one fourth of the cost. Unquestionably the loss ought to fall upon him, & if Bedford has not paid him, I shall remonstrate upon the subject, – tho I am a bad hand at such disputes myself, & in conscience one cannot expect a friend to dispute for one. The worst of the business is the great inconvenience it occasions, – for how is another glass to be sent, when the frame is here? – however I must make enquiry as to the possibility of getting one of that xxx size here, <upon the spot> & endeavour to do the enamelling myself. But it is as vexatious as I ever permit a thing of no greater moment to be, because it has been occasioned by a piece of folly not to have been calculated upon.

Dyers picture is a most happy likeness. He does me wrong if he supposes that I do not set great value upon it, for I have a great regard for him, & so much respect for his better part, that I never lose sight of it even when his oddities & weaknesses provoke a smile. It is melancholy to think see so many of the ingredients both of genius & happiness existing in that mans mind, & spoilt in the mixing, – to think how trifling an alteration in his character would have made him as useful as he is good, & as happy as useful. – The frames look well, but by no means so well as they would have done if the gilding had been broader. It was a bitter disappointment not to find Moons picture among them, – because we remembered it as the happiest likeness, – the better way of sending it will be in a frank, sufficiently enveloped. Dyer will convey it to Rickmans, & then no matter what may be the weight. It is hardly possible that he should lose a second charge of the same kind.

Kehama has been finished this month, [2]  is half transcribed, gone to the printers, & I expect the first proof in the course of the week. Early in the spring I hope to send it to you.

This is written hastily, – hereby to announce the arrival of the box – alas that it should not be the safe arrival! – I must not forget thanks from below stairs for the feathers. The children often talk of you, – when will she come again – is the constant question. – I shall be likely to see you in the course of next year. My Uncle has the living of Streatham given him, & will reside there. He gives up for it some Herefordshire preferment, & I do not think the exchange in any other degree advantageous, than that his <new> residence will be more conveniently situated for my visits than his old one.

I sent nobody to give you any other trouble than that of exhibiting the family groups. Nor have I heard who has taken the pains of xxxx going to see them – except Bedford & Neville White (Henrys brother) – He thought the last years picture of myself a mor a better likeness than this. [3] 

God bless you

very truly yours

R Southey.

Dec. 27. 1809.

I am afraid my letter did not reach John Dolignon, [4]  – for it has received no answer; – & it was such a letter concerning old times, & remembered intimacy & friends who are gone, – that I am sure he must have replied to it had it reached him.