3358. Robert Southey to Herbert Hill, 6 October 1819⁠* 

Keswick. 6 Oct. 1819.

I was not a little surprized at learning on my return that the publication of my xxx xxxx unlucky volume [1]  was delayed, owing to the loss of a proof sheet, & the want of brains in all persons concerned with it, – for if they had sent the sheet to you, the delay might have been prevented. – Whatever the mss from Para [2]  may contain, it would not be advisable to introduce it now, – a good deal may be expected from it – which I shall take care to have ready for insertion in its proper place, whether a time for so doing may occur during my life, or not. Koster has sent me over a paper upon concerning the same part of the country, written by a man [3]  who is a native of Para & held the office of Procurador there, – but is now Juiz di Fora at Paraiba. The manner is sadly Frenchified, – but there are some facts which I wish I had obtained sooner.

Lord Lonsdale sent to me to meet Prince Leopold at Lowther. [4]  I am not sorry that I did not reach home till a week after the expiration of his visit.

The Rickmans [5]  left me this morning on their way to town, where they will arrive in about a week. We have had a prosperous journey, without let or accident, & with weather uninterruptedly fine. [6]  My head is nearly healed, – I shall be glad when it is quite so, that I may be able to clean it thoroughly. I found all at home in tolerable health, – Cuthbert quite strong & thriving.

I must now fall to work, – upon Wesley, [7]  & the Peninsular War. [8]  The former will not require much time, – about a third of the second volume is printed.

Love to my Aunt –

God bless you

RS.