Henry Crabb Robinson, 30 Russell Square, London, to Lady Bryon, [no address], 17 September [18]53.

[f. 1r.]

London

30 Russell Square

17 Sept: 53

Madam:                                                 

       The few lines your Ladyship has forwarded to me thro’ Dr King are very flattering And would gratify me much did I think myself one of the few of whom alone it can be of importance to know what impression did a man like our admirable friend make on him –

        Your suggestion is admirably adapted to answer your purpose – But a machine besides an inventor must have workers – Where will you seek them now?

       I am bound in common candour and honesty to send to Esher as soon as I receive it, which will be early in the month, an Obituary Article I drew up at the request of a friend – It is not presumptuously written And I have no doubt you will not disapprove [f. 1v.] of its tone – It is not the will but the power that is wanted – nothing on reflexion gives me so much hope, as the intimation that the decision will be trusted to you – For a sad vacillation has been shewn in the determination of the family as to the appropriation of the memorial money, I hear – And where a family are without a commanding head to rule as well as submissive wills to obey – There is no remedy but in finding One out of the family whom everyone will honour & therefore obey – [1]

                                     I beg to subscribe myself

                                                 Your Ladyship’s

                                                             Obedient Servant

                                                                           H. C. Robinson

The Lady Noel Byron

[1]HCR’s obituary of the Rev. F. W. Robertson appeared in the Christian Reformer, New Series, 9 (1853), 660-664.

Text: MS-DEP Lovelace-Byron 109, fol. 1, Bodleian Library, Oxford.