658. Robert Southey to [unknown correspondent; probably Francis Freeling] 22 February [1802]

658. Robert Southey to [unknown correspondent; probably Francis Freeling] 22 February [1802] ⁠* 

My dear Sir

An arrangement may be made with Longman & Rees respecting Chattertons works [1]  which will I think be more beneficial to Mrs Newton [2]  than any thing we can hope to do. They will take upon themselves the edition, & give her 350 copies. these at 18s– (the advance of paper justifies the additional shilling per volume) will produce 315 pounds. after booksellers allowance & the smaller items are deducted there will be a net profit about 250£. I do not think we could possibly raise so much.

I shall write immediately & propose this to Mrs N. if she approve it, & you also think it the most adviseable plan, the agreement may be closed & the volumes immediately sent to Press.

yrs sincerely

Robert Southey.


35. Strand.

Monday. 22. Feby.

Notes

* MS: Princeton University Library, General Manuscripts (Misc.), Box SN-SR, subfolder 5. ALS; 1p.
Unpublished.
Correspondent note: Identification of correspondent is not certain. However, Southey’s letter to Charles Danvers, 23 February [1802] (Letter 659), suggests recent contact with Francis Freeling on precisely the topics found in this letter of 22 February [1802]. BACK

[1] Southey and Joseph Cottle’s planned subscription edition of The Works of Thomas Chatterton, eventually published in 1803. BACK

[2] The Southey-Cottle edition was intended to benefit Chatterton’s widowed sister Mary Newton (1749-1804; DNB) and her daughter. BACK

Addressee

Freeling, Francis,1st Baronet (1764–1836)

People mentioned

Longman, Thomas Norton (1771–1842) (mentioned 1 time)
Rees, Owen (1770–1837) (mentioned 1 time)

Places mentioned

35 Strand, London (mentioned 1 time)
The Collected Letters of Robert Southey, Part Two
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