Henry Crabb Robinson, 30 Russell Square, London, to Mary Wordsworth, [Rydal Mount,] Ambleside, 9 January [18]55.

London

30 Russell Square

9th Jan: 55

My dear friend

     Many thanks for your kind letter Tho’ painful on that account, yet I must acknowledge that it was and is therefore a stronger evidence of your friendship, being written with pain ^difficulty^ – I am not quite sure that you will be able to read this yourself tho’ I write a clear hand – But you may put this into the hand of any of your family or neighbours – I have nothing to write that anyone who loves you should not read – But as the writing at all under such circumstances is somewhat encumberd with drawbacks I should not have written now had I not to correct the most unpleasant portion of my last letter – Or rather substitute better news for worse –

    I saw Miss Fenwick yesterday, And found her very much better than she had been Indeed it was the good account I had heard of the health of Miss F: which encouraged me to go – But her appearance was even better than I expected. She had then with her (but not in the room) her niece and her Polish Husband – of whom Miss F: spoke highly They were on their way to Bath – Miss Fs brother had been very ill – but his life was then thought to be out of danger – As I knew the short visit of Miss F’s niece must be a trial to her, I felt it my duty to remain but a few minutes I staid long enough however to hear her speak with great satisfaction of a letter received from Mrs Wil: Words and she confirmed the favorable opinion entertained here of your health & spirits – I have not ventured to call on the Lord Chancellors lady since her return, but hope to do it soon –

    Tomorrow I go to Brighton And shall remain there about a week or ten days – On my return I will see Miss Fenwick at least call – And write if I have any thing to say that will give you pleasure

    My last account was but a melancholy one – I have nothing to add –

    But one little circumstance I forgot to mention – Last Summer Autumn I sent you – at least I orderd there should be sent you the Anti-slavery Advocate – a monthly paper which has one great merit – It is very short And I like it, for its sound views & ability Have you received it? And shall I continue it? Does Mrs Fletcher or any one else in your neighbourhood like it or the Anti-slavery Reporter which is a larger paper?

     I would not force attention to a very painful subject And it would be troublesome perhaps to your friends to read it to you?

     My kind remembrances to dear Miss Words Mrs Hutchinson Mrs Arnold Fletcher &c &c  Your Sons Grandsons &c &c

                 Ever most affectionately your’s

                                     H. C. Robinson

Mrs Wordsworth

(Ambleside)

Text:  WLL, Robinson, Henry Crabb/31, Wordsworth Trust and Museum, Grasmere.  Robinson writes in his diary on 9 January 1855: ‘And I wrote to Mrs Wordsworth abot her friend Miss Fenwick &c And that letter is gone ...’