1361. Robert Southey to Samuel Reid, 20 September 1807*

My dear Reid

Your letter has slipt my memory by slipping under some papers out of sight – I beg your pardon for this very unintentional neglect.

There is little or no chance of procuring any of the books you mention in England. A copy of the Partidas¹ was wanted for the defence of that scoundrel General Picton,² & his council after long search were glad to xxx meet with one in Heber’s library. I have one & should be glad if I could spare it, – but it is of such daily use that this is impossible. If Dr Toulmin³ pleases I will, with great pleasure, write to my Uncle to procure the books from Madrid, where, & where only, they are likely to be had, –but there is great reason to fear that before such a commission could be executed xxx xxx xxx xxx, either Spain or Portugal will be at war, or the English expelled from Lisbon this latter I confidently expect, as one xxx consequence of our buccaneering attempts on South America.

I have to thank you for the trouble you took with my packages, all of which xxx arrived in excellent order. ⁴ Edith & Mrs Lovell beg to be remembered to you & your mother – so does Tom – I have a little girl & little boy whom I hope you will one day be prevailed upon to form an acquaintance with & be introduced to Derwentwater & Skiddaw at the same time

yrs very truly Robert Southey

Keswick. Sept 20. 1807