689. Robert Southey to John May, 4 July [1802] ⁠* 

Kingsdown. Bristol.   July 4.

My dear friend

The parcel reached me safely. By the letters contained in it, I learn that by the same ship (The Hero of the Nile. Cap^t. Phelps –  [1] ) my Uncle sent over a Portugueze Glossary, two folios, [2]  – if this has arrived as it ought, I will beg you to send it me, for it is daily wanted.

With regard to the immediate subject of your letter – you are very good – & I think agree with you & Wm Taylor on the propriety of sending the £50 without delay. as soon as I can get it from Thomass Executors it shall be remitted to you. I learn that his widow [3]  is taking out letters of administration.

My connection with Mr Corry is I conceive at an end, tho I have had no regular intimation that my services are no longer necessary. he hinted to Rickman that I should turn tutor to his son. [4]  a task which I should not readily undertake even under the most inviting circumstances – still less to an Irish boy of sixteen, who has been found too unmanageable to be kept even at Harrow. What may turn up hereafter Heaven knows – both Wynn & Rickman have all the will to help me on – & are likely to have the power: – abroad my inclination & feelings would lead me – but to remain unsettled in readiness for such a summons is always unpleasant, & would now be impossible for a reason which you are not yet aware of. I have reason to hope for an increase of family this autumn. [5]  you see therefore I must pitch my tent. & if you can find me such a house as will suit us in your neighbourhood – I think & those friends whom I love best think also that I shall be better situated than any where else in England. But such a house as would please me will not I fear easily be found. rent & taxes not above forty pounds – a small garden – near a market & yet not in a town – & not so near a great road as to be annoyed by its dust. These are easily found at a greater distance from London, & with a difference of expence that has half staggered me – but the advantages of being so near town I think upon a fair & scrupulous calculation overbalances that inconvenience – & besides when I am settling – perhaps permanently – I would not get out quite away from those friends in whose intimacy I have grown up.

You ask me for Miss Burkes [6]  history – I heard it only once from M^rs Trent [7]  but believe my recollection is accurate – She entered the convent [8]  in resentment for the supposed infidelity of her lover. he did not discover her retreat till a few months after she had professed – when she was summoned to the grate & saw him. her immediate agitation was very visible. she wrote to her friends to get her out – I believe by the regular way of dispensation. this letter was intercepted. her & an account of her death spread. She had contrived to get down a flight of steps from her prison-room when Miss Power heard her. the night of her death Jane Power sate with her very late seeing how dispirited she was – so late that the lamp went out in the cloisters & she lay down on a stone bench lest by mistake she should enter a wrong cell in the dark. she went back at day light to tell her friend how she had past the night & found her with her throat cut. At that sight she dropt & was found in a fit in the door way by those who came to bring their prisoner food. this is the story – the manner by which <how> Jane Power got at her I do not understand. It should be remembered that there is no reason to suspect this as the invention & calumny of a renegade. Jane Power continues a Catholic – & her friends are procuring her a dispensation from Rome to quiet her conscience & their own.

Mr Corrys conduct towards me has been a riddle – & I think I have at last discovered the solution. he wanted a tutor of notoriety for his son – & meant to pay him with the money of the nation.

Edith desires to be remembered.

God bless you

Yrs affectionately

Robert Southey.