2993. Robert Southey to William Westall, 8 May [1817]
2993. Robert Southey to William Westall, 8 May [1817] *
My dear Westall
I called on Murray yesterday, but could not find him. I saw him today, – & he is very desirous to treat with you about your book. [1] I earnestly exhort you to set about it seriously as soon as you go into the country. You cannot fail of producing that which will interest every sound judgement & every good heart. I do not think you will stand in need of the slightest assistance, xx but you know me enough to trust I believe that in offering you any assistance in my power I mean what I say.
In the course of ten weeks I hope to meet you at Keswick, & we will have a day upon Saddleback, men, women, & children, & dine by the side of the Tarn. [2]
Thursday af[MS missing]
8 May
Notes
* Address: To/ Wm Westall Esqre/ 61 Warren Street/ Fitzroy Square
Stamped: Unpaid
Marybnxxx
Postmark: [partial] Clock MY N
MS: Berg Collection, New York
Public Library. AL; 2p.
Unpublished.
Dating note: Year from
content. BACK
[1] Murray published in 1818 a volume of Westall’s engravings: Views of the Caves near Ingleton, Gordale Scar and Malham Cove. BACK
[2] The excursion with Westall from Greta Hall to Blencathra (Saddleback) and to ‘Threlkeld’ (Scales) tarn is described in Southey’s Sir Thomas More: or, Colloquies on the Progress and Prospects of Society, 2 vols (London, 1829), II, pp. 153–155. An engraving after Westall’s drawing of the tarn appears opposite p. 153. BACK
