Henry Crabb Robinson, 30 Russell Square, London, to Mary Wordsworth, [Rydal Mount], 1 February 1856.

L:

30 Russell Square

1st Feb: 1856

My dear friend

     The melancholy tidings which I expected to communicate some time back I have now to forward to you by Mrs Dickinsons desire. The very earliest of my friends And one of those whom we have both of us placed on the first line of those we loved and honourd departed from us early on the morning of yesterday the 31st of January.

     The circumstances attending dear Mrs Clarkson’s death were of the most consolatory nature I use Mrs Dickinson’s words.

“It was literally ceasing to breathe and nothing more for we were scarcely conscious when the last breath was drawn – She knew and recognised us all till a few hours of her departure & her last words were the mention of my name”

She wished me to forward this intelligence announcement, preferring that it should come through me, especially after the removal of your old friend Mrs Hoare –

     At our age these announcements are become almost daily. Yet with what tenacity does life hold to the seemingly fragile frame of Miss Fenwick –

    Excuse me that I write so short a note I must now go out on business – But I take this with me to the West – In case I do not add a P: S: Accept my affectionate remembrances & best wishes for your continued state of repose & comfort

     Also add my thanks to Mrs Hutchinson I immediately proceeded to execute your commands And shall probably have something to say on the subject before I close this letter

     My respects to all friends as before

                     As ever

                                 Affectionately your’s                               

H. C. Robinson

Mrs Wordsworth

Text:  WLL, Robinson, Henry Crabb/36, Wordsworth Trust and Museum, Grasmere. He writes of Clarkson’s death in his diary on 1 February 1856: ‘this proved a melancholy day – Its most material incident was Mrs Dickinson’s announcemt of dear Mrs Clarksons death – Early in the morning of the day before At her age – with her excellent character – infirmities that at her age rendered all improvemt hopeless – life could be of no value & death not a subject of dread. Mrs D says that if I wished to attend the funeral they wod be glad to see me there And have a bed &c So expressed I wrote immediately declining to go – but intimatg a readiness to go, if desired – I wrote to Mrs Wordsw announcing this solemn event ...’