2617. Robert Southey to Grosvenor Charles Bedford, 17 June 1815 ⁠* 

My dear Grosvenor

I have made Ballantyne hunt up some more of the MS [1]  for you; & this no doubt is all that will be recovered. – The other MS. [2]  you will either give the Docstor, unless you are disposed to visit Streatham. It is the last portion I shall trouble you with, – for by writing in smaller books I can make them passable in Rickmans franks.

They have made me member of another Academy in Spain. The R A. of History; [3]  this would be very useful to me were I to visit that country. My Titulo  [4]  is a most exquisite specimen of writing upon vellum.

Was it you who sent me a Courier the other day? – I have the Courier regularly. The paper in question was f inclosed like a letter, & therefore chargeable for <as> “not open at the sides.”

Longman was to send you the Minor Poems. [5]  If any body asks you why I have not affixed my official designation to them, the answer is that it had no business there, – there being but two pieces in the book written as by the Laureate. [6] 

I wish Murray would engage me to turn the Egyptian article into a history of the Expedition in one volume – like Nelson. [7]  But this is between ourselves. The wish must come from him. It would make a fine insulated story. I have not returned the documents, – in a half sort of hope that this may come into his head.

God bless you

RS.

17 June 1815.