3411. Robert Southey to Edward Hawke Locker, 1 January 1820⁠* 

Keswick. 1 Jan^y. 1820

My dear Sir

I am exceedingly glad to receive your letter, because it gives me an opportunity of expressing at the same time my sorrow & my apology for not having seen you since we met at the Fleur de Bled. [1]  Perpetual hurry & occupation during the short time that we remained in & near London on our return must be my excuse; & since then I have only been in town on my way to & from Switzerland, when of course I was on the wing.

I am glad also to acquit myself of what would indeed be an unpardonable neglect if I had been guilty of it. Your friendly offer of General Taylors [2]  documents never reached me. Our friend Croker must certainly have forgotten it in the multiplicity of his engagements. I hope it is not too late to say that such a collection would in all likelihood be of the greatest use to me, & that I should be truly obliged to you for an assistance of such importance in my great work. [3] 

That work will go to press in the course of <the> spring, as soon as I return from London; & when I am fairly engaged with the printer, my hand will not be taken off till it is compleated. My intention is to be in London early in March, & I will not fail to make my acknowledgements to you in person at Greenwich. [4] 

You take the right ground in this Prospectus. [5]  On we must go: there is no possibility of checking the progress of society, even if it were desirable; & it is more than ever necessary to direct it in a proper course. I have been endeavouring for more than twelve years to impress this upon those whom it most concerns, & have called out upon Government to see that wholesome food was provided for the people, & th to take efficient measures for stopping the circulation of poison. The present bills [6]  will do something, tho in my judgement stronger restrictions of the press will be found necessary, & a new law of libel upon Lord Mansfields principle, instead of M^r Fox’s. [7]  Meantime individuals must do what they can, & save the country in spite of its Liberales, from the Dukes of Sussex & Bedford, down to D^r Watson & Carlile. [8]  Your plan is very good, & I will go what I can to promote its circulation.

If your authority in the affairs of the Hospital enables you to save some part of the wood upon Castlet, [9]  you will be a great benefactor to this beautiful place. These trees are threatened, & nothing could injure the immediate scenery of Keswick so much as their destruction. And in all these cases no ultimate loss would be sustained by leaving enough for beauty, instead of indiscriminately cutting every thing down.

Believe me my dear Sir

Yrs obliged & obedient servant

Robert Southey.