Henry Crabb Robinson, 30 Russell Square, to Dr Edward Sieviking, 23 December [1848].

30 Russell Square

23d Dec: 

Dear Sir

       I thank you for the Handbucklein which amused me, but wit & humour are much more rational than either poetry or eloquence – Or this writer has no claim to any high character in either wit or humour – The best hit is the reversal of the Aristocracy of the Alphabet – For like other reformations it reestablishes the abuse it corrects –

       Next year I shall, I trust, be in funds for your hospital – The extreme distress of our College Hospital has obliged me within a few days to give a 4th -- £10 for owing to the falling off of students this year, we shall not be able to go on with as many beds as hitherto – The public give next to nothing And we alone maintain our hospitals, that is the medical I have hardly a right to subscribe to any other hospital – And cannot now, but next year it may be otherwise

      I was sorry I could not meet you at your father’s I go immediately into the north

                        &c &c &c       

                                     H. C. Robinson

Dr Sieviking

Text: A.L. 182, Senate House Library, University of London.