3505. Robert Southey to Bernard Barton, 4 July 1820 ⁠* 

Keswick. 4 July. 1820

Dear Sir

You will have heard, from private or public sources, that when your two last letters were written, I was absent from home; & I hope you will have accounted for & excused my silence, as judging rightly of the whirl & hurry of occupations in which I have been involved. During an absence of eleven weeks, I have very rarely slept more than three nights successively in the same bed.

Thank you for your volume. [1]  Whatever its immediate reception may be among your own sect, you need not doubt that in due time they will learn th to appreciate the service you have done them, & will be proud both of the book & of its author. It will win its way surely, tho perhaps slowly. I have heard it spoken of in high terms, as it deserves. And whenever opportunity offers, or can be made, of noticing it in the manner that I could wish, you may be assured that I will not let the occasion pass.

I am returned to <find> heavy arrears of correspondence, & business of every kind. Excuse therefore the haste & brevity with which I write & believe me with much respect.

yours truly

Robert Southey.