Henry Crabb Robinson, 30 Russell Square, London, to Mary Wordsworth, Rydal Mount, 29 January [18]55.

London

30 Russell Square

29th Jan: 55

My dear friend

     I feel grateful to you for your kind recollection of me both before and on the occurrence of an event, rather solemn and aweful than afflicting under the actual circumstances.  Our common friend Mrs Clarkson will feel as I do, I am sure And I shall soon I hope have an opportunity of hearing the like Sentiment from Miss Fenwick There will be but one universal feeling among those who knew Miss Wordsworth when she was the active and powerful spirit which was so lovingly acknowledged by the brother who last preceded her –

     I doubt whether we ought to confess sorrow on such an occasion as this – But we know on high authority that we must grieve because we are men when such a shade as this passes away – For it is good to be reminded of past excellence of every kind whether it defended or adorned or instructed us all –

    This is a merciful bereavement for which you may thank the dispenser of all good in various ways. There are other trials harder to bear & more difficult to comprehend. The post which brought your Son William’s letter also brought an account of the death of a young woman of accomplishments followed by that of her mother within two hours, whom I knew in her youth and ever since an exemplary daughter, sister, wife and mother – And with whom my friendship was confirmed thro life by her love of the works of Miss Ws brother And your revered & loved husband

     Never within my recollection was there such an accumulation of deaths at home.  That of Julius Hare is the most significant

     And then what a mass of horrid slaughter in the Crimea – A carnage which I can look at with submission believing that the war is as just & necessary as any way war ever was –

     I hope and expect that your Son William is now with you he will read to you And consider this as an answer to his own for which I thank him as well as you –

     To Mr Wordsworth your elder Son I desire also to be duly rememberd Mrs Hutchinson &c &c &c

     I should have told you that I saw both Mr & Miss Rogers lately at Brighton She enquired after you feelingly his recollection of old friends ^even^ is nearly lost altogether –

             Ever, affectionately yours

                                 H. C. Robinson

Mrs Wordsworth

Rydal Mount

Text: WLL, Robinson, Henry Crabb/32, Wordsworth Trust and Museum, Grasmere.  Robinson writes in his diary on 29 January 1855: ‘So I wrote to Mrs Wordsworth answerg Wms announcg his Aunt’s death – I was then more at my ease –’