Henry Crabb Robinson, 30 Russell Square, to Angela Burdett-Cootts, Meadfort House, Torquay, Devon, 20 March 1857. 

Dear Miss Cootts

       It is the Ideot-Asylum for which you kindly gave your votes to Mr Cookson’s protegé. The name you will have on the paper of course. I called on him to day. He is thankful for the Service you have already renderd – His gratitude will be enhanced if it is in your power to repeat the favor –

       This has been a strange Season in many respects – Not in weather only, but in other respects. [f. 9v] The general character has been sadness – At this moment, all the world is in a state of expectation

       Whether in America all the elements of truth & humanity are to be violated with impunity by the absolute submission of the new president to the Slave power

       Whether the weaker powers in Europe are to bid defiance to the three Emperors and the greatest Sovereign enemy the monarchs who on some points appear to be united –

       Whether Asia & Africa are to be raised out of their seeming prostration That is to their own barbarous practices as to be at length roused into a state of moral [f. 10r] existence, instituting a new phase   

       These are the doubtful points which perpetually come in one shape or another for our consideration

      I have no doubt that the pamphlet you refer to expresses your hope of the future prosperity of the objects of your kind wishes or active assistance

       My expectation is raised

       You obligingly enquire concerning my successors to Peto and his wife I have to day with my companions seen a pair whose appearance & words added to their high character [f. 10v] and the justifying testimonials authorise the best hopes –

       My best regards to Mrs Brown attend this my thankful letter to yourself –

                         Very truly yours

                                     H. C. Robinson

Miss B: Cootts.

Postmark: EW MR20 1857; Torquay MR21 1857.

Text: Add. MS. 85291, fols. 9-10, British Library.