1530. Robert Southey to Grosvenor Charles Bedford, 9 November 1808*

My dear Grosvenor

I am ready, desirous & able to bear a part in this said review.¹ You will however think it odd that the very subject on which you seem to suppose me most able is one which I should rather avoid. I have not the sort of talent requisite for writing a political pamphlet upon the state of Spain, – these things require a xxx <kind> of wire-drawing which I have never learnt to perform, & a xxx <method> of logical reasoning to which my mind has never been habituated, & for which it has no natural aptitude. What I feel about Spain you know, – what I think about <it> is this, – the country has much to suffer, in all probability there will be many & dreadful defeats of the patriots, & such scenes as have never been witnessed in Europe since the destruction of Saguntum² & Numantia³ may perhaps be renewed there. Joseph will very likely be crowned at Madrid,⁴ & many of us may give up the cause of Spanish independance as lost. But so surely as God liveth & moveth in the hearts of men, so surely will that country eventually work out its own redemption.

Now Grosvenor, understand me clearly. I could not fill half a score of pages by dilating & diluting this; – but that is I should be a sorry pamphleteer; but I believe my self to be a good reviewer in my own way, which is that of giving a succinct account of the contents of the book before me, extracting its essence, bringing my own knowledge to bear upon the subject, & where occasion serves seasoning it with those opinions which in some degree leaven all my thoughts words & actions. If you had read the Annual Reviews you would comprehend this better by example than I can make you in a letter. Voyages & Travels I review better than any thing else, being well read upon in that branch of literature, better indeed than most men. Biography & History are within my reach, – upon any of these topics I will do my best. It is just proper to mention that there are now before me for the Annual Drurys Madagascar, – Clarksons Hist of the Abolition – Tennants Indian Recreation – & Zouchs Sir P. Sidney.⁵ – Any thing else may be sent me – the Life of Bruce⁶ could not be put into better hands.

You know my way of thinking upon most subjects. I despise all parties too much to be attached to any. I believe that this country must continue the war while Bonaparte is at the head of France, & while the system which he has perfected remains in force, – I therefore from my heart & soul execrate & abominate the peace-mongers. I am an enemy to any farther concessions to the Catholicks. I am a friend to the Church establishment, – not as a Churchman, for I am almost a Quaker, – but because an establishment is now, & long will be necessary, – & the one we have secures toleration to such hereticks as myself. I wish for reform, because I cannot but see that all things are tending towards revolution, & xxx nothing but reform can by any possibility prevent it.

This much is said to you, that it may be said thro you. – To yourself I add that the pay proposed will be exceedingly suitable to my poor finances, & that the more books of travels they send me the better; for that reason. I had almost forgotten to say that if a fit text be sent me the subject of converting the Hindoos is one upon which I am well prepared. It is my belief that they ought to be converted both as a matter of policy & duty, – & as you know I do not suppose salvation to be exclusively attached to any particular faith, you may be sure that this opinion does not proceed from religious bigotry. Claudius Buchanans book⁷ would perhaps be the best text, if it be not too old. One two or three articles I could provide by the end new year. this had better be one,⁸ – Bruce another. The place from whence all parcels should be sent, whether by coach or waggon is the Bull & Mouth.⁹

Fare well – & God bless you RS.

Nov. 9. 1808.

Kehama is in great glory.¹⁰