3186. Robert Southey to William Wilberforce, 1 September 1818

3186. Robert Southey to William Wilberforce, 1 September 1818⁠* 

Keswick. 1 Sept. 1818.

My dear Sir

I am almost as much a fixture as my great neighbour Skiddaw himself, – so that whenever you visit Keswick you will be certain of finding me. Last Saturday was the first wet day which we have had since the first week in May; – a longer continuance of fine weather in this country than any person can remember. And yet we have had no drought as in the South, – just rain enough for the fields & gardens, which in other places are parched up. The clouds have risen this evening, & we have at this moment some of those beautiful appearances which a stranger would think well purchased by a wet day. I hope this is indicative of another change.

Lord Castlereaghs answer seems to look well. [1]  But whatever may be the result of this application, Henry Koster & his friends are equally beholden to your kindness.

Believe me my dear Sir

yrs with the greatest respect

Robert Southey.

Notes

* Endorsement: Pri Southey/ always at Home &/ Koster
MS: Berg Collection, New York Public Library. ALS; 2p.
Unpublished. BACK

[1] Southey had solicited Wilberforce’s support in obtaining a Consulship at Maranhao, Brazil for Henry Koster. Robert Stewart, Lord Castlereagh (1769–1822; DNB), Foreign Secretary 1812–1822 was ultimately responsible for the appointment. BACK

Addressee

Wilberforce, William (1759–1833)

People mentioned

Koster, Henry (1793–1820) (mentioned 1 time)

Places mentioned

Keswick (mentioned 2 times)
Skiddaw (mentioned 1 time)
The Collected Letters of Robert Southey, Part Five
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