2152. Robert Southey to Grosvenor Charles Bedford, 29 September 1812*

Keswick. Sept. 29. 1812My dear Grosvenor

I have stolen away from an evening party at the Senhora’s to write to you. & the first thing to be said is that I have given Mr Downman¹ a draft x upon your worship at three days sight, for £16–10/ – three days sight I said, because the presentation being duly announced, there can be no inconvenience in not finding you at home &c–. Every body seemed so pleased with his portrait that I have had another <taken> (which might p almost pass for a fac-simile of it, if the position of the arms & body were not different) This I had done for Edith who was reasonably enough dissatisfied with the two ill-looking miniatures.² Downman has given me a companion to it, in her portrait, every body exclaims at the happiness of the likeness. I see it less than any xx body, – still I see it, & it is a very pleasant picture. The draft is for my own portrait & the two frames, which he will provide for me according to his own taste.

The Common place book³ shall go tomorrow, I will send with a book⁴ of John Mays which I wanted an opportunity of sending to London. You will have the goodness to get it conveyed to him, according to its direction.

I received Giffords letter with the draft, & must tell you (tho he desired it might be between x ourselves) that he in a very friendly manner desired me at any time when I might be out of cash to draw upon him at sight, & pay him at leisure; – an offer for which I am as sincerely obliged to him as if I could accept of it. But in the first place I am almost a stranger to G. & in the second, according to the present state of my affairs, & the probable prospect, I am not likely to feel any other want than what will may be supplied by requesting you to send me a quarter pension a few weeks before it is due, – & that perhaps may not occur again, for every year is now bettering my worldly condition. – I have an answer from that shuffling fellow John Ballantyne to my <that> xx letter which you saw. He was in London & his brother who had opened his mine, sent him notice of its contents. so he writes to say he hopes his brother has explained & apologized to me about the Chronicle, – that he hopes I will resume it, – & that about the other points he will reply as soon as he gets back to Edinburgh.⁵ – Reply how he may, he has shuffled with me, & I am perfectly aware that nothing but a sense of his own interest will make him behave either with civility or xx honesty. As soon as I can get his account & his address I shall draw upon him for every farthing which is due to me.

My brother Harry I hear is in town, but whether at this time he is with Dr Gooch in Aldermanbury, or at Streatham I do not know.

Tell G. I am writing for him, & therefore will not subduct time precious time for the purpose of writing to him. – Since you left us some little progress has been made with Pelayo, or Roderick as we must call it for the future,⁶ – & what is of more importance the main difficulty in the management of the story seems to be removed.

Dawe,⁷ whose genius soars as Eagles flight, has removed his easel to day into my room, where Kate & Bertha lay by turns for about an hour to be made Eagles prey for him, – much to the Painters contentment.⁸ – The Senhora has been highly flattered to day by an application from Mr Edmondson, who requested that he purchase a pound of her Epsom salts, – because he despaired of getting any so good. She gave him about half-a pound, & told him she hoped that would answer any present want, but she could part with no more. He seems to look upon her house as a second Apothecaries Hall.

You know Downman is about to publish a series of portraits of the English Reformers.⁹ he meant to accompany each head with a page of brief biographical notices. I have offered to write an inscription for each, this I could do con amore,¹⁰ whether it will be done depends upon Murray.¹¹

Remember me to your father & mother. the Mag: Rut: & Miss Page – How did the chair arrive? – Remember also that you half promised me a picture of yourself.

God bless you RS.

Dr Bell arrived to day to occupy your lodgings, before he goes to Rose Castle¹² on his way Eastward.