Henry Crabb Robinson, 2 Plowden Building Temple, London, to Lord [Henry] Brougham, 11 April 1839. 

My dear Lord Brougham

       In consequence of Mr Clarkson’s being here I have most fortunately obtained a proof of the Preface While duely sensible of the great courtesy and most friendly intentions towards myself I have ^been^ both astonished and annoyed by the statement p 26 – Had it been published, I must however unpleasantly to my self have instantly contradicted it. I must have said, “I never forwarded any notice whatever to the Messrs W: I never to any one threatened with proceedings in equity” I will remind your Lordship of what passed between us And you will then see as clearly as I do how you fell into this great mistake

       I wished you to know on what terms I was standing with J. S. And therefore I told you of my letter to him at which he justly took offence. In that, I said If the W’s consult you you will tell them that any attempt to mutilate or destroy the evidence will do them more injury than the delivering it up. On this you exclaimed with warmth “They must, they shall deliver up the books, or I will file a bill against them” Or to that effect. Your generous zeal on behalf of Mr C. on this and other occasions delighted me And I shall never cease to think and speak of it with corresponding satisfaction[.]

       What more was said I do not recollect, but this I know that it had never before occurred to me that this was a case for the court of chancery.

       On reflection I think it probable that J. S. may have so understood my letter, And have acted accordingly, but he is too prudent to have spoken of my offensive letter to them. And I am very sure that you afterwards unconsciously confounded the suggestion of your own most active mind with my information – But it is not merely the incorrectness of the statement which makes me object to it – Had you said as you might truly “There is reason to suspect that these Gentlemen did not deliver up these books till they apprehensive” &c this would have equally, perhaps more annoyed me. Because I should consider it as most dishonourable to apologise for a letter beg it might be forgotten and then make it known so as to bring discredit on the receiver or on those to whom he might have shewn it It would have been an imperfect excuse “I spoke of it only in strict confidence And am more distressed than you that I was misunderstood[”]

       I send you the proof that you may strike out all allusion to this circumstance which you will do I am sure with the greatest readiness.

       I make no apology for suggesting a few minute corrections on matters of fact within my own certain knowledge

       You impute (p 25) to Messrs W the Statement that the Subscripn was a remuneration – Now if you will turn to the Strictures you will find that this was the misrepresentation not of the biographers but of the Reviewer only – This error is also in the second Edinb: Rev:

       I have corrected according to the fact the statement about the £83 – p 28 –

       Mr Clarkson says that “three fourths” is too strong an expression

       I have taken the liberty to put a few marks ??? not daring to oppose my judgement to your’s except on points beyond all doubt – And these by the bye are not matters of judgement or opinion but of fact and knowledge.

      I shall be happy to attend you whenever you may be willing to see me, & explain any thing that may be doubtful And I rely on your kindness for excusing the liberty I take

            being most obediently

                         Your’s &c

                                     H. C. Robinson

2 Plowden Building Temple

11th April 1839

The Right Honourable Lord Brougham

No Address. 

No Postmark. 

Endorsed: 1839 / Mr H. C. Robinson 

Text: Brougham Papers, MS. 23.554, University College University of London.