Henry Crabb Robinson, 30 Russell Square, London, to Lady Anne Isabella Byron, [no address], 9 March 1854.

[f. 36r]

London

30 Russell Square

9th March 1854.

Madam,

       I intend seeing Sir James Stephen tomorrow Evening, And will therefore be obliged by receiving a letter from you in the forenoon –

       I did not omit to mention to Sir James, that you did not wish for a clergyman; at the same time, I did not represent you as sharing the sentiments of Giraud who in endowing the university at Philadelphia among the Statutes ordained that no man in holy orders should be permitted to set his foot within the walls!!! – or of Horne Tooke, who wrote to Wilkes on the day of his ordination “This day the infectious hand of a bishop was waved over me – It was a sign for the Devil to enter –” &c &c I presume that you, like myself, have as little objection to a clergyman in a black collar as to a military man dressed like a Civilian Unlike the Roman mechanics, the Soldier & Priest are best when “without the sign of their profession”  Tho’ Mr Atkinson dates from a Vicarage, he is, I take for granted only a curate.  Sir James spoke highly of the social qualities of his friend And the note graced with the Royal Arms is a valuable testimony to Mr A’s— qualifications.  Mr A. remarks that his information is vague.  He alludes probably to my not having [f. 36v] said any thing about Terms – I contented myself with saying, that, if the right man could be found, you had the object at heart, And that I had no doubt you would be desirous to render the office acceptable to the qualified person.  The profession and a present employment are obvious difficulties in the way of an arrangement. And the distance of Mr A’s present residence renders a personal interview more troublesome than is convenient – The personal qualities were spoken of as distinguished – but such qualities are undefinable

       I await your directions – Perhaps you will adopt the frequent practice of favouring me with a letter which may be communicated, without its being so said on the face of it – Gibb’s note shews him ^Atk:^ to be of the proper age – being of the same year with himself

       Yesterday, I spoke with our (Un: Coll) Professor of Greek He paused, and said, he would think of it – And let me know.

                        I have the honour to be

                                    faithfully yours

                                                 &c &c

                                                               H. C. Robinson

The Lady Noel Byron

      &c &c &c

Text:  MS-DEP Lovelace-Byron 109, fol. 36, Bodleian Library, Oxford.