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Massachusetts Historical Society. ALS; 4p. (c). . Not previously published.
These letters were edited with the assistance of Ian Packer and Lynda Pratt
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Your letter followed me to this place, whereby one day was lost on the road, & a second in consequence of the hour at which the post arrives here.
Of the many things which I have to say, let me begin by thanking you for your new number; which
is a very good one, & for the two marvellous proofs; marvellous they may rightly be called, because the effect
in both is so perfectly produced.
And now concerning the plates. Much as I should be gratified by seeing some illustrations of
Roderick, from your hand & your brothers, yet when you tell me that the whole speculation rests upon yourself,
I cannot but intreat you to weigh the risk well, before you venture so large a sum upon it.something new”. About 6000 copies have been sold:xly upon the reputation of the poem; the question is whether there are persons enough who collect
your brothers works, to cover the expence of such an undertaking; for the main dependence must be upon such
purchasers. If you continue in your purpose, I will propose any thing which you desire to Longman, & do what I can to promote the sale among my own friends,
but this is not much. The French translation which has been sent me is in octavo. I do not know the size of the
other. -
As soon as we return home which will be either on Saturday or Monday next, I will see if there be any armour of Rodericks age which Edith can trace: I think can find some among German monuments & great seals. <But that which was used in England at the same time, would be equally proper. I believe there was little or no difference.> I like the notion of landscape subjects, treated by your hand. With regard to other subjects, your brother is much better able to determine upon what situations are best suited to his art, than I can be: the error which I should be likely to commit is that of mistaking dramatic passion for scenic effect.
Thank you for the pains you have taken about Mrs Keenan.
I am here with Edith, her mother & Cuthbert at the house of my friend & fellow traveller
I want to send a proof set of your Lake Viewsre – to the care of Samuel Williams Esqre. 13. Finsbury Square: – they
will then regularly find their way to Boston.
The two Ediths
The Americans have made me a member of the Massachusetts Historical Society,