Henry Crabb Robinson, 30 Russell Square, to William Wordsworth, Jr., [London], 28 December 1846.  

30 Russell Square

London

My dear friend

     This is a mere note of business: I wish you to know that I have heard nothing about the Silversmith, nor has Mr Graham called

     Probably your mother may have told you that my visit has been postponed this year even beyond the Wednesday after Christmas day, of which I told you myself – The meeting of the Trustees is to take place on Wednesday the 6th of January – And I mean therefore to leave London either on Thursday the 7th or Monday the 11th. This will shorten my visit, as I have money to pay on the 1st of February.

     It would be a pity if I should not be able to order the plate before I leave town – You will now have time to write to Brighton.

      I beg my respects to Mr Carter

                         Your faithful friend

                                        H. C. Robinson

Moon is the name of the Engraver who sent us Miss Gs print of yr Fathers portrait – We have the small ones, but want the large size –

Text: WLL, Robinson, Henry Crabb/5, Wordsworth Trust and Museum, Grasmere.

In his diary entry on 28 December 1846, Robinson repeats himself in his reference to the younger Wordsworth: ‘I spent this forenoon at home reading and looking over papers. I went to the Athenaeum where I spent part of the day and dined. I wrote letters to Wordsworth junr and to Mrs Clarkson and then I went to Prynne’s – he was gone out of town and will not return until I shall be gone to the North. This vexes me and I must apply to my brother for money. I had an agreeable chat with Mrs P: and Mrs Bayne de omnibus – Called late at Kenyon’s but he was out at dinner. I saw Donaldson to-day at the Wyndham and I left a card at Roger’s begging him to fix a day for D’s breakfast with him. I also wrote to W: Wordsworth jr about my wedding present and to Mrs Clarkson about Taylor’s officious [sic] life of her husband there will probably be no other.’