3107. Robert Southey to Edward Nash, 29 March 1818⁠* 

Keswick 29 March 1818

My dear Nash

This has been a week of great events. – no less in magnitude, & no fewer in number, than the arrival of Shedaw’s box on one day, that of the frames on the next, & of a parcel of books the third. [1] 

First let me thank you for the Caviare; – the paper with which the jar was covered had an odour truly detestable, as tho it had been dipt in rancid train oil, [2]  or some thing worse, if aught worse there be. But the Wolf you know is a Wolf of approved valour, – & moreover I was perfectly sure that the taste of the Caviare could not possibly resemble this perfume a la diable. And as I expected excellent I found it, – excellente, excellentissime, superbe, magnifique. [3] M^rs Lovell agrees with me, & so does Westall, but as for my Governess & M^rs Coleridge, they belong to the multitude [4] 

The frames fit perfectly, & are in very good taste. They came safe, to the no small merit of the packer. Their Ladyships Racket & Riot [5]  were full of joy at the arrival, & if I were to repeat all the thanks which they wish to send, or half the things which they desire to say, there would be no room for any thing else in this sheet of paper.

The books came in excellent order, & nothing missing except the four volumes of Ebel, [6]  which I conclude were left out at Longmans by mistake, & therefore have written about them. It was a rich cargo & some fellows who were in ragged attire when they came into my service at Milan, having now their new liveries on, were worthy of promotion to the best ranks in the room. Then I had to enter them in a list which I began to keep at the commencement of this year, of all the books which are may be added to my stores. Right glad should I be to hear that the more important collection from Van Beast [7]  were safely on the road to Keswick: – their arrival will be a great event indeed; – for I cannot help having some apprehension that they may have been sent off in the autumn, & have missed their way. Yet I think Van Beast perfectly understood my directions, & would have written, as he was instructed, to advise Mr Rothschild [8]  when they were sent off.

Westall dined here yesterday, – in good health & spirits. He sets out for London in about a month. The retouching his plates has failed in three or four of them. if the fault be not in working them off at Carlisle; – & this makes him fear that they must be published after all as coloured prints, – for which I shall be sorry, because (as far as I am capable of judging) some of them are fine works of art in their kind, better than any thing of that kind which has yet been produced. [9]  This however seems to be the immediate motive for his journey to town – Miss Barker is still in Borrodale, & has been there ever since you left us!

I had a letter from General Peachy the other day, who is now at N^o 39. George Street. Portman Square. Can you tell me whether Senhouse is at Bath, for if he were there, I would write to him & entrust Miss Wood [10]  with a commission which I think she would like to execute, – that of visiting & giving me an account of an a sort of female College near Bath. [11]  I am about ere long to write a paper upon the great advantage of establishing institutions of this kind, where by which the untold misery to which female women who are left without friends or fortune are now inevitably exposed. [12]  And this will lead me to give as full an account of the Beguines [13]  as I can collect from my books.

Remember us to M^rs Vardon,– to whom I shall write ere long. All here are well (except poor M^rs L.) – & all join in the kindest remembrances.

God bless you my dear Nash –

yrs affectionately

Robert Southey.