4003. Robert Southey to John May, 19 April 1823
Endorsement: No. 233. 1822/ Robert Southey/ Keswick 19th April/ recd. 22d do/ ansd 25th July
Watermark: I & E C/ 1819
MS: Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center, University of Texas, Austin. ALS; 2p.
Previously published: Charles Ramos (ed.), The Letters of Robert Southey to John May: 1797–1838 (Austin, Texas, 1976), p. 201.
The demand upon me which I expected in the course of last month has been delayed till now; – & if in the course of a fortnight you will lodge one hundred & eleven pounds for me in Bedfords hands this will be a better way than drawing upon you for it, as it will save the stamp.
He may be found either at No 9 Stafford Row Buckingham Gate, – or any time after breakfast – at the Exchequer.
My brother Tom was to sail on Thursday to reconnoitre his grant in Canada, – a business which has occupied much of my thoughts for some time past, – & will long continue so to do.
I write in haste, – having many dispatches to make up for this post. – We are all tolerably well thank God. Your god daughter busily employed in making certain memoranda of this country with her pencil, – which are designed for you, – but I believe this ought to be a secret, till I appear with them in town. Cuthbert is reduced to two breakfasts, but continues firm in his archepiscopal determination.
Are you & Mrs May the better for your return to Richmond? You will have enjoyed the change heartily if your weather has been as fine as yours ours
I will write shortly at more length. Would that I could see the end of the work upon which I am employed. It is even mortifying to perceive as I proceed with what want either of diligence, or fidelity, or feeling, – or of all three. English history, – & especially church history – has been written.
And how impudently a dishonest writer relies upon the ignorance – & therefore, the credulity, of his readers.
God bless you
Yrs affectionately
Robert Southey.
