630. Robert Southey to John Rickman, 21 November [1801]
630. Robert Southey to John Rickman, 21 November [1801] *
Bridge Street. Nov. 21.
Your letter with the Bill reached me – or rather I reached it – only this morning – & I write only in form to acknowledge it.
Mr Corry opened an interesting conversation with me this morning. he hinted – I suppose the usual method of proposing – that I should write the history of the war in Egypt [1] – officially – that is with the papers & sanction of government. they want to blaze off with the glory of their victory there. To this I opposed a rumour that Sir Sydney Smith [2] meant to be his own Commentator. if not – why not I as well as any one else? indeed the rather – because I liked Bonapartes [3] scheme, & should as justly pay as just an attention to the scales – bearing ever in mind the figure over the Castle Gateway. [4] if this comes to any thing it will be profitable. you shall hear the earliest tidings.
The packet you allude to as directed here is not yet come. I marvel thereat.
Edith desires to be remembered –
farewell
yrs truly
R Southey.
Notes
[1] French troops had invaded and occupied Egypt in July 1798. They were not expelled by British forces until September 1801. BACK
[2] Sir Sidney Smith (1764-1840; DNB), whose defence of the city of Acre in March-May 1799 had halted the advance of French troops into Palestine. BACK
