4021. Robert Southey to Humphrey Senhouse, 17 May 1823
Address: To/ Humphrey Senhouse Esqre/ Netherhall./ Maryport
Stamped: KESWICK/ 298
Seal: red wax
Watermark: F/ 1821
MS: Department of Rare Books, Special Collections and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester, Robert Southey Papers A.S727. ALS; 3p.
Unpublished.
In the hope & expectation of seeing you soon, (& the sooner the better) I will ask you to pay Morrison for me the sum of six pounds, seventeen shillings, – being the balance of my half years rent, – after deducting 13 shillings for roof repair, – & 30£ expended at this time by an agreement with the Landlord,
of which he (Morrison) has been apprized. – The balance is less than I like to draw for, – & an awkward sum to send, – where there is no direct carrier to whom it may be entrusted.
The packet which you brought for me, containing some interesting communications concerning the campaigns of 1809 & 1810 in Portugal, – from Sir Nicolas Trant,
who performed the good service of occupying Coimbra after the battle of Busaco,
& thereby securing the most fertile provinces from the French.
The change of weather commenced just on your return. We had the finest month of April that I ever remember in this country, – they had rain on seventeen days out of the thirty, at Kendal, – & certainly we had it not on seven at Keswick. But this week has been almost one continued storm, – the waters are out & many acres have just been sown in time to lose the seed.
You will come I hope as soon as the weather becomes good – I shall enjoy a little laking & mountaineering with you. – We expect Mrs Coleridge & Sara in a few days. They have made a long progress, & I shall not begin mine till July, – the book
which was to have been one volume, having grown into two. This sort of work is something like building a house, – the cost is very apt to double <exceed> the estimate twofold.
The aspects on the continent are not favourable for your plans.
– When armies are in motion, or even on foot, there is no knowing how far the inconvenience which they occasion extends. I had once after a long & fatiguing days journey in the mountains, to ride about the streets of a popular city (Tavira) from house to house, begging a nights lodging por amor de Dios e Maria Santissima,
– because the place was full of soldiers.
And we were literally in danger of passing the night in the streets. Our kindest remembrances to all your friends -
God bless you –
yrs affectionately
Robert Southey.
