2781. Robert Southey to John Rickman, 6 May [1816] ⁠* 

6 May.

My dear R.

I have been asked for a letter of introduction to you by the elder Koster, an old Lisbonian, & a very estimable man, notwithstanding some wrong notions, & a contradictious manner. By no fault of his own he is at present a ruined man, – with not merely an unsullied character, but a high one. I believe his business in town is partly if not chiefly to try what interest he may have in procuring a consulship in Brazil, – he has claims upon Government for having many years acted as Consul at Lisbon, during Sir John Horts non-residence, [1]  – without the slightest remuneration. In this I do not suppose that you can assist him, – nor indeed do I know that he has any other motive in asking an introduction to you, than the desire of seeing you; – xxxx his house at Lisbon was the only xxxx one where men of all countries were to be found who possessed any literary or scientific attainments, – & in this way few men have made a wider acquaintance among persons worthy of being known.

His family are lodging at Keswick, & Henry (my fellow traveller) is printing his travels in Brazil, a book which for its unaffected manner, & plain detail will remind you of old times when men made books because they had something to relate of their own observation [2] 

I work closely, & have regained strength: – spirits no doubt will follow in course of time [3] 

God bless you

RS.

The Irishmen (of whom Christian Curwen [4]  has made large importations into this country) – have introduced their stills here, & manufacture whiskey according to the demand. – This practice will soon extend in England as well as in Scotland