Lady Anne Isabella Noel Byron, Brighton, to Henry Crabb Robinson, [30 Russell Square, London], 8 March [18]54.

[f. 112r]

Brighton

March 8th 54

Dear Mr Crabb Robinson

       You would have received my more than formal thanks before now, had I not, in consequence of renewed illness, given a promise that I would only write “when necessary” – This fresh proof of your kindness has made it so.–

       There is much in favor of the prospect. The recommendation, & the Gentleman’s own brief but sensible note – I fear however that the Profession would be an insurmountable difficulty – not that it is so from my own views, which you estimate justly, but suppose a boy of 15 years of age to have adopted ideas which indispose him to conform in all points to the practices required from Members of the Established Church, it is obvious that a Clergyman could not sanction, by allowing, such deviations – If my Grandson’s opinions are in error, I am sure they will not be corrected by forcing religious observances upon one of his character.

       Believe me

             Your most truly obliged

                                    A I. Noel Byron

The weakness of my eyes makes me use green paper.

Text:  MS-DEP Lovelace-Byron 109, f. 112] [copy], Bodleian Library, Oxford.