3200. Robert Southey to John Rickman, 5 October 1818⁠* 

My dear R.

Wilberforce has been with me this morning, – to the utter astonishment of all in the house who have yet seen him: – such a straggling visitor, – he was longer a going – going – going – than a bad bales of goods at an auction, & even when he began to go, he brought to at the bookcase on the staircase, & again in the parlour, to the utter despair of his wife, [1]  who resigns herself with comical composure to all his comicalities. He will be here during the week, & I shall do my best to strengthen in him certain wholesome apprehensions which he feels concerning the state of the press.

Dauncey the Counsel is here also. I was very intimate with his wife (who has been dead many years) – indeed I was almost bred up with her. [2]  He is a thoroughly right-minded xxxx man.

I have at this time for a guest the only son of Hare Townsend, [3]  who was as you may remember a great ally of Burdett. I am glad to hear that this person is evidently much changed of late, & begins to see that under such mob leaders as Hone, Hunt [4]  & Co, estates would be as much in danger as thrones & churches.

I have two papers in the QR. Evelyns memoirs [5]  & the other which you recognized, & which is the worse for not being having been planned, – but it is what I intended wrote the greater part thinking that your communications might be inserted; [6] & hence there is a want of method about it, probably rather more than what there x always is in my meditations for Albermarle Street. [7] 

But I must dress to go dine at the island [8]  –

God bless you

RS.

Oct 5. 1818.