3243. Robert Southey to Grosvenor Charles Bedford, 8 February 1819 ⁠* 

My dear Grosvenor

I have nothing to tell you, – unless it be worth telling that the high winds have given our high chimney a shake which has dislocated the upper part: that part cannot be thoroughly repaired while there is any likelihood of frost, – it happened to be so placed that if it should fall it will come into my <our> bed room; – & tho I should be under no alarm myself in such a case (beyond that of the first start) having taken an observation, & ascertained that by the just laws of projectiles, [1]  if it came thro roof & upper story it would miss the bed, – this sort of philosophy which does very well for me, does not do quite so well for my wife. My study therefore must be converted into a bedchamber for her accommodation. – It may be wanted any hour, – it or it may not, for three or four weeks. – I should be in get rid of anxiety pretty well by the help of close employment, – for this is an anxiety that can be put out of mind for the time. But I wish the interval were over.

I have not seen the Magazine of which you speak: but from what you say I suspect that the letters cannot be genuine. [2]  The only German who ever visited me (except Kleinkopff of the Bible Society) [3]  was D^r Spiker, the King of Prussias Librarian, in 1816. [4]  The only foreigners whom I saw last year were a Frenchman, & two New-Englanders. [5]  Your Magaziner therefore must be a fictitious personage.

The girls were disappointed of the Almanachs when the QR. arrived. The last article has no other fault than that it both the wit & the severity are too fine for the subject against which they are directed. [6]  – The paper upon Milmans poem is the best poetical criticism that has appeard in the revi review. [7]  But on the whole there is a xx much rubbish in the number.

Of late I have written nothing but Brazilian history, [8]  – if it were but as profitable as it is pleasant I should desire no other employment. The 65^th sheet is now on my desk – so you may suppose I am not very far from the end, – probably about six weeks. The last sheet of the first vol. of Wesley [9]  is also before me: – here the notes have given me a respite, which is now at an end; & I must xxx prepare ‘more copy.’ –

Buy in it in the x threes. I shall then have realized twelve pounds a year; – a good comment this upon M^r Broughams speech wher in which he told x the mob of Westmorland that I was wallowing in wealth. [10]  – Impudent as that slanderer is, I think he has laid himself so completely open by his arrogance, his blunders, & his haste in accrediting any calumnious story, upon the Education-Committee, that if Canning were to put forth his strength against him when the question comes before Parliament, he might disgrace him for ever.

God bless you

RS.

Keswick. 8 Feb^y. 1819.