Henry Crabb Robinson, 30 Russell Square, to Angela Georgina-Burdett-Cootts, Meadfort House, Torquay, Devon, 4 April 1857. 

Dear Miss Cootts

       In your last obliging little note you intimated that I was soon to receive a pamphlet of what nature no hint was given – And I have been on the look out of it – ever since –

       It has not made its appearance – It is therefore possible that it may have miscarried tho’ sent – and that you may have ascribed its non-acknowledgemt to the failure of an octogenarian’s memory – which is becoming deplorably faulty – If it have [sic] not been sent pray do not trouble yourself to take a pen in hand to tell me so – As a compensation for the trouble of reading this note I will copy an epigram by the late Corn Law – or Anti-Corn-Law Rhymer – As wise as it is witty for it smashes Socialism with a joke –

  What is a Socialist? 

One who has Yearnings

For equal division with unequal Earnings:

Who, awkward, or lazy, or both, is still willing

To fork out his penny, and pocket your shilling:

After an ungenial winter & early spring, I hope you will be able to enjoy your delicious residence as Summer approaches – And that the warmth of a Devonshire sun and your friendships will force a smile from dear Mrs Brown – Nothing can console my poor niece – Her grief amounts to mutiny – And yet I ought not to say that.

                        With kindest regards

                                    &c &c &c

                                                 H. C. Robinson

Postmark: KJ AP4 1857; Torquay AP5 1857

Text:  Add. MS. 85291, f. 11, British Library.