2551. Robert Southey to John Murray, 10 February 1815 ⁠* 

My dear Sir

The proof is returned by this post. [1] 

I received duly your letter respecting the life of Wellington, & the parcel soon followed it. The materials are good, & I have no reason to distrust my own skill in putting them together. [2]  Where there is so much that both demands & deserves eulogium, a man must be a fool indeed if he makes praise bear the semblance of adulation; – & xx xx where doubt, or censure is to be expressed I shall not fear to express it in that <a> manner showing that I bear it <in> mind both what is due to those of whom I am speaking, & to myself. – For my great work, I have access to Marquis Wellesley thro his son-in-law Mr Littleton, with whom I am acquainted. When do you mean to announce this work? [3]  the materials are in such readiness, & such progress made, that when the introductory chapter shall be fairly put together, I care not how soon it goes to press. This first chapter gives a moral & political view of the Peninsula, & of the two great nations who were about to fight their battles there upon that ground. This of course requires much longer elaboration than any other part of the work, – but great part of it is done, & to my own satisfaction.

This Egyptian expedition will make an article of the best kind. I scarcely know any subject so picturesque [4] 

This Methodist traveller in Africa has made one of the oddest & most amusing books that has fallen in my way. [5]  Most probably Barrow will take him in hand, & then he will fare but scurvily, – for Barrow who writes so admirably as a traveller himself, is not tolerant enough toward his inferiors. I can however steer clear of him by making a history of the Mission in South Africa, – of which indeed the beginning has lain several years in my desk. [6] 

There is a French history of the war in Spain of 1794, [7]  which I wish you could procure for me, – there are many occasions on which it would be fitting that I should refer to it, I should be glad also of Swinburnes Travels [8]  & of Fischers. (not the Picture of Valencia & Madrid, this I have) [9]  It is from <in> books of travels that I get those things which are find the foregrounds & backgrounds for historical painting, – that information which when properly laid-in gives fullness & richness to the narration of events, & serves sometimes serves as a relief, – as necessary in historical composition, as in a poem or a picture.

Believe me my dear Sir

yrs very truly

Robert Southey.

10 Feb^y. 1815.