1706. Robert Southey to Grosvenor Charles Bedford, 8 November 1809 ⁠* 

Wednesday Nov. 8. 1809

My dear Grosvenor

The other half notes have not arrived, [1]  & having two other things to say, I write to notify their non-arrival.

Can you inform me in what manner a person having an annuity of 20 £ can recover the income tax, which that Rehoboam [2]  of Taxation Lord H. Petty, [3]  obliged all such persons to pay, – in the hope of that very many of them, as is the case, would not know how to get it back again? –

Will you say to Gifford that I should like to review James Grahames British Georgics, [4]  – of which I am in hourly expectation, Ballantyne having sent me the book. Personally I have much respect for James Grahame, – he is capable of producing passages of exceeding beauty, but always deficient in the whole art of arrangement. It would gratify me to have an opportunity of pointing out his faults in a right tone of criticism, & doing the same justice to his merits. And the subject of t his poem, together with the very nature of didactic poetry would supply ground work for an entertaining article.

If Flushing is retaken it will be Lord Chathams [5]  fault. A plan was laid before him for rendering it very strong – almost impregnable, – at the same time Col Darcy, [6]  one of the old women among the Engineers gave in his opinion that the place was not defensable. Ld Chatham pays no attention to the plan (which came from a man of first rate talent & ability in his profession) & leaves the very Col Darcy to fortify the place.

I do not think these wretches can keep their ground, – they are so obedient not merely the servants of the Crown, but the very menials, – the sycophants – absolutely the Kissarcie of the King, – & if they do not take care John Bull [7]  will xxx <be provoked at last to> play the part of Kickarcius for his own benefit. Where are we to look for any thing better is the question. And I will own to you that this is a question which I cannot answer, – for in my conscience I think Lord Grenville nothing better, & the Foxites [8]  a great deal worse: Luckily I do not think it is possible to ruin England, – but if it be possible these such statesmen as ours will do it. ins & outs alike, there is not a pin to chuse between them. – Buonapartes best allies are in the British Cabinet. I could say much about this, – but it is post time – & I have other fish to fry.

God bless you

RS.