3987. Robert Southey to [Unknown Correspondent], 23 March 1823

MS: Morgan Library, MA 63. ALS; 2p.
Unpublished.
Note on correspondent: The person seeking Southey’s assistance in securing a position is unidentified.

Keswick. 23 March. 1823

My dear Sir

The situations in the British Museum are in the joint appointment of the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Chancellor, & the Speaker;

⁽¹⁾

Charles Manners-Sutton (1755–1828; DNB), Archbishop of Canterbury 1805–1828; John Scott, 1st Baron Eldon (1751–1838; DNB), Lord Chancellor 1801–1806, 1807–1827; Sir Charles Manners-Sutton (1780–1845; DNB), the Speaker 1817–1835. The holders of these offices were the three Principal Trustees of the British Museum and were ultimately responsible for appointments to its staff.

of course those of the Kings Library will be so, when it is removed & placed under their direction.

⁽²⁾

The King’s Library was formed by George III (1738–1820; King of Great Britain 1760–1820; DNB) and given to the nation by George IV in 1823. A new wing had to be built at the British Museum (1823–1827) to accommodate the books.

But the Kings Library has already a proper establishment of librarians, & these persons, beyond all doubt, will accompany it, unless for other reasons than for the removal, any of them may vacate their offices. – I have no interest with either of the three Trustees, nor any knowledge of them. The duties of a librarian are neither difficult nor arduous; – literary habits would, undoubtedly, be a recommendation to the office, & some classical knowledge, should suppose a requisite.

Where I can assist you my good word shall never be wanting: – where I cannot you must be content with my good will. I am sorry that the latter is the case at present.

Farewell & believe me
Yours sincerely
Robert Southey

Notes

1. Charles Manners-Sutton (1755–1828; DNB), Archbishop of Canterbury 1805–1828; John Scott, 1st Baron Eldon (1751–1838; DNB), Lord Chancellor 1801–1806, 1807–1827; Sir Charles Manners-Sutton (1780–1845; DNB), the Speaker 1817–1835. The holders of these offices were the three Principal Trustees of the British Museum and were ultimately responsible for appointments to its staff.[back]

2. The King’s Library was formed by George III (1738–1820; King of Great Britain 1760–1820; DNB) and given to the nation by George IV in 1823. A new wing had to be built at the British Museum (1823–1827) to accommodate the books.[back]

The Collected Letters of Robert Southey: Part Seven

Lynda Pratt, Ian Packer