4095. Robert Southey to [Mary Ann Watts Hughes], [27 November 1823]
MS: The Carl H. Pforzheimer Collection of Shelley and His Circle, New York Public Library, Astor, Lenox, and Tilden Foundations, Misc MS 3826. ALS; 3p.
Unpublished.
Dating note: Dating from content. The letter was written on Thursday 27 November 1823, the week before Southey went to hear Rowland Hill preach at Blackfriars Road on 30 November 1823.
I thank you for your call, – for your enquiry, & for all your kindness. And I shall have great pleasure in waiting on you at 5 on Wednesday next, with my daughter, who (I must not forget the charge,) desires me to send her love.
Murray has intreated me to make explanations & excuses & apologies &c for him to Mr Hughes. By some mismanagement the paper
was made to give place in the number where it ought to have appeared, – & he could not insist upon it require its insertion afterwards, because it praised so highly a work of his publishing, just when the freshness of that work had past away,
that it would have looked as if the review were made subservient to his interests as a tradesman. He introduced the subject upon my mentioning Mr Hughes’s name, & requested me very earnestly to say – how much the matter vexed him, & how truly glad he should be to receive any other communications from the same hand. – I am sure he spoke sincerely, xxx I think the apology as far as he is concerned, a valid one, – & I shall be glad to think Mr H. is one of my coadjutors.
On Sunday I shall certainly try my fortune in Blackfriars road,
if the weather will permit.
With best respects to Dr Hughes,
I remain
Dear Madam
very truly & thankfully yours
Robert Southey
