1269. Robert Southey to John Rickman, 30 January [1807]*

Jany 30. A good day that.My dear Rickman

N.B. to begin with, that this sheet of Secretarian paper is discoloured with damp & not with dirt.

Your last frank was an unlucky one. It has been charged 6/5 to me, as bearing date in 1806, & as above privilege. I have written to appeal against the flaw as frivolous & illiberal, & against the other ground upon this very substantial plea – that they kept it a day at the Post Office.

I will have good hopes of seeing you here. Keswick is not only a convenient halting place on the way to Ultima Thule,¹ being but one stage out of the road, – but it is also a needful one. Mrs R. could not go on without a good thorough rest, – & perhaps she had better not go on – but remain here; – & perhaps also I will Thulify with you, – for I want to see the Highlands, a thing which ought to be done while they are so easily within reach. In that case I can get letters by wholesale, to do with them what the Scotch never do where we can get xxxx decently housed, & to Lairdify & Dukify where we cannot, – just as it may suit us that I should travel incog. or xx take advantage of my Poetship, & fare sumptuously like a great man as I am.

Remember me to Mrs Rickman, & tell her I will not make my sixth ascension of Skiddaw till I escort her.

Vale RS