2915. Robert Southey to Grosvenor Charles Bedford, 12 February 1817⁠* 

My dear Grosvenor

On my return from Netherhall this afternoon I found the Quarterly Review, [1]  – a letter from Gifford had previously reached me, he told me that he had been obliged to omit some thing “in pity to the terror of Government.” – he did not however mention half the omissions which he has made, – & to do him justice, I must needs say that he has done all in his power to render the paper spiritless & worthless. As it stands it is a mere pamphlett of the day, holding forth in behalf of ministry, – every thing which could be useful, every xxxxxxxation has been expunged. What ideots are these men, – & what a fool am I to be trammelled with them!

I have a letter from Murray also, – praying that I will give up the thought of embodying my own opinions in a separate work, [2]  & dole them out in the Review, – as the more profitable & more effectual way of getting them into circulation. His letter is four days old & I have not yet made up my mind how to answer it. The sight of the Review however goes far toward determining me, – Gifford dares not speak my opinions, – & for this I do not blame him, – his is rather to be pitied, – or the ministry are to be pitied who dare not ever hear the advice of one of their most strenuous & most disinterested advocates. But what devil is it that makes him garble my sentences as well as my arguments! Look at p 239 – about the Ed. Rev. & Balaam, & see what he has made of the allusion! [3]  I do not write to him upon immediately, because I am really too much offended at these impertinent mutilations. – This matter I thought had been put upon a proper footing. But it shall be so in future; & I will have him distinctly understand that I shall <will> not submit, like a school boy, – to have my compositions corrected in this manner. – Ideots that they are! they call upon me to fight their battles, – & then carefully take off the edge of my sword.

I am angry, & I am vexed, – vexed, that I suffered this paper to go into Giffords hands, instead of pursuing my own straight forward course. Murray is afraid of his Review, – if I arrange & republish these papers he says it will subject the journal to be reviewed, – silly man, as if it could escape attack by any caution – or any cowardice! – He will be the loser by this timidity. And perhaps as the best vehicle for conveying unpalatable truths, & bold speculations, I shall put what I have to say in Espriellas mouth, [4]  & leave men to judge <decide> as they can what is spoken in that character, & what is spoken thro it.

Were I in the proper mood I ought to make fine speeches for the pocket books. – & to tell how M^rs C. has fallen down & bruised her NOSE & cut her tongue, which has ever since been found too large for her mouth, & that she says she cannot bear to keep it within her teeth.

God bless you

RS.