3492. Robert Southey to William Heathcote, [c. 8 June 1820]
3492. Robert Southey to William Heathcote, [c. 8 June 1820]*
Dear Sir
When I saw you at Streatham it was not my intention to visit Oxford at the ensuing commemoration. [1] Farther consideration & advice have changed my purpose: & as there may be some difficulty in obtaining a bed at that time, if I trusted to chance, I shall be much obliged to you if you will secure me one for Tuesday & Wednesday next. Excuse the trouble which I am giving you; – for I have no acquaintance in the University except my nephew Hartley Coleridge, – who is not the fittest person to employ in business of this kind. – & believe me
My dear Sir
yrs very truly
Robert Southey
Notes
* Address: [in another hand] London
Eighth June 1820/ William Heathcote Esqr/ Oriel Coll/ Oxford/
Fm/ JRickman
Stamped: FREE/ 8 JU 8/ 1820
Endorsement: Mr Southey/ June 8/ 1820
Seal: red wax, design illegible
MS:
Hampshire Record Office, 63M84/234/17. ALS; 2p.
Unpublished.
Dating
note: Dating from postmark. BACK
[1] Southey had visited Streatham partly to meet Heathcote; see Southey to Edith Southey, 25 May 1820, Letter 3486. Southey had changed his mind and decided to visit Oxford University for the Commemoration ceremony on 14 June 1820 because he was to receive an honorary Doctorate of Civil Law at this occasion. BACK