658. Robert Southey to [unknown correspondent; probably Francis Freeling] 22 February [1802]*
My dear Sir
An arrangement may be made with Longman & Rees respecting Chattertons works1 which will I think be more beneficial to Mrs Newton2 than any thing we can hope to do. They will take upon themselves the edition, & give her 350 copies. these at 18s– (the advance of paper justifies the additional shilling per volume) will produce 315 pounds. after booksellers allowance & the smaller items are deducted there will be a net profit about 250£. I do not think we could possibly raise so much.
I shall write immediately & propose this to Mrs N. if she approve it, & you also think it the most adviseable plan, the agreement may be closed & the volumes immediately sent to Press.
yrs sincerely Robert
Southey.
35. Strand. Monday. 22. Feby.
Notes
MS: Princeton
University Library, General Manuscripts (Misc.), Box SN-SR, subfolder 5. ALS;
1p.
Unpublished.
Correspondent note: Identification of correspondent is not
certain. However, Southey’s letter to Charles Danvers, 23 February [1802] (Letter
659),
suggests recent contact with Francis Freeling on precisely the topics found in this
letter of 22 February [1802]. Back
1. Southey and Joseph Cottle’s planned subscription edition of The Works of Thomas Chatterton, eventually published in 1803. Back
2. The Southey-Cottle edition was intended to benefit Chatterton’s widowed sister Mary Newton (1749-1804; DNB) and her daughter. Back