3773. Robert Southey to [Unknown Correspondent], [c. 1820-1821]
3773. Robert Southey to [Unknown Correspondent], [c. 1820–1821]*
Dear Sir
We have declined going to Barrow, [1] & for the same reasons must also decline your obliging invitation.
I am much obliged to you for the Xtn Observer. [2] Some of the early Quakers ran into heresy in mere ignorance; & others because xxx it was their principle to say whatever came uppermost. With regard to Wm. Penn [3] – it is not easy to ascertain the opinions of a man, who did not always know what they were himself.
Believe me Dear Sir
Yrs very truly
Robert Southey
Notes
* MS: Beinecke Library, GEN MSS 298,
Series I, Box 1, folder 48. ALS; 1p.
Unpublished.
Note on correspondent:
The correspondent’s identity is unknown, but it is clearly a Lake District
acquaintance with an interest in Quakerism. Likely candidates include William
Calvert, whose wife was a Quaker.
Dating note: Dating from content. The
letter refers to Southey’s proposed life of George Fox, which became public
knowledge in 1820, and which attracted considerable attention and correspondence
in that year and the one following. It is impossible to refine the dating further,
so we have placed this letter at the end of 1821. BACK