3082. Robert Southey to John Rickman, 25 February 1818
3082. Robert Southey to John Rickman, 25 February 1818*
Wednesday 25 Feby. 1818
My dear R.
I send you the proofs which have just reached me. [1] Make minor alterations in pencil, & any longer ones on a separate paper, & I will transfer them to their proper place. Perhaps I have been over-scrupulous in not sending the first half to the press, – however there is no harm done, by erring on this side, – & your answer will soon be here.
In these sheets you will see that nothing is added but mere garnish. Your labours have given me a sort of holy day from the review, which has been turned to excellent account for Brazil. I shall soon be half thro the volume, – & if no calamity should intervene shall surely compleat it in the course of the summer. [2] Of course now that the goal is in view, – I push on the more willingly, – like a horse when after a long journey, he finds himself near his own stable.
It is a provoking thing that I never have been able to get sight of the only English book about Brazil, which xxxxxx would be likely to give me curious matter. It is a voyage by one Atkins Surgeon Of the Weymouth (I think the ship was) He published two voyages – one to Guinea, Brazil & the W Indies, – which I have, & a good book it is in its way, – but all he says about Brazil in it is, that what he observed in that country was published in a separate volume: – & I have been looking for that volume the last ten years without success. [3]
God bless you
RS.
