3369. Robert Southey to John Rickman, 24 October [1819]
3369. Robert Southey to John Rickman, 24 October [1819]*
Keswick. 24 Oct.
My dear R.
I am just returned from Whitehaven, where I have been passing three days at Ld Lonsdales. – Government I am glad to hear feel itself very strong, – & the Whigs are manifestly feeling themselves very foolish. They will be deserted on this occasion by all who have any regard to decency, or any common sense. [1]
Wordsworth is here, – much disappointed at not having seen you.
Remember us to Mrs R. Love to the children. Willy [2] has won all hearts in the nursery.
RS.
Notes
[1] Following the ‘Peterloo’ Massacre of 16 August 1819, Whigs in Cumberland organised a County Meeting on 13 October 1819 to protest at the local authorities’ actions and send an Address to the Prince Regent. Southey drew up a conservative response – an Address to the Prince Regent denouncing the radicals and calling for curbs on the press. It was not proceeded with, and the government’s supporters in Cumberland produced a more moderate document. BACK