Henry Crabb Robinson, 2 Plowden Building, Temple, to Henry Brougham, [no address], 20 November 1835. 

2 Plowden Building Temple

20th Novr 1835

My Lord –

      On my return from a three month’s tour in France I have found in my Chambers your Lordship’s work and seven sheets of the German translation. I fear they have lain so long there as to expose me to the unmerited suspicion of having neglected to fulfill my promise. In fact, I have lost no time in collating the two writings with all the exactness in my power; And I have great pleasure in saying that it appears to me that your work has fallen into very competent hands. The translator, as far as I can perceive, has in all essentials done you justice. Saying this, I doubt the propriety of sending back the proofs with so many marks, which seem hardly consistent with the expressed approbation The truth is that I have been very minute indeed, and I have no doubt hypercritical in the insinuated doubts. I believe I do know German well enough to form a correct opinion in general on the <–> fidelity of the translation. I think myself authorised to submit a doubt to the translator, but I should not dare to persist in any objection where he persists in his translation. On a conference I should with becoming humility give up all my amendments, And not dare to take a lesson from your Lordship’s house on a late occasion. There are one or two manifest errors of the press And minute inadvertences, but not one, scarcely, of sufficient importance to notice among the errata of the impression be struck off.

      I am so much interested in the work that I should have great pleasure in looking over the remaining sheets; but if you direct them to be sent, you will do so, merely to gratify me And not in the expectation of my being of any use to the translator or at least of sufficient to compensate for the loss of time –

       I have the honour to be –

             My Lord

                         Most obediently your’s

                                     H. C. Robinson

The Right Honble Lord Brougham –

No Address. Endorsed: Nov. /35 / Mr Robinson / German / translation of / L. B’s book  

Text: Brougham Papers, MS. 21.258, University College University of London.