Henry Crabb Robinson, 30 Russell Square, to Angela Georgina Burdett-Cootts, Torquay, Devon, 8 April 1859. 

Dear Miss Cootts,

       You will not suspect me of estimating your letter by its weight or its bulk – I should have answerd it long ago, had I any thing to say half so agreeable as the contents of your’s yet I shall not be satisfied with progress or improvement &c But hope soon to hear of perfect restoration of dear Mrs Brown –

       Here; – The best thing I can refer to is this sudden burst of Summer – Will it – can it last –nous verrons  I was seduced on Wednesday Sennight to attempt a visit to the Kensington Museum – And was too happy to take refuge in the Athenaeum against a snow and hail storm –

       I fear this promised peace will not be more secure And I fear still more that the dissolution of parliament will awaken a storm of party spirit and popular zeal much more dangerous – But I am old and cowardly –

       I note your kindness with reference to the bishop of the last new Colony – I know not by what association of ideas it is that I am reminded that the Provost of Eton recommends the Vol: of Sermons by Caird who so pleased the Queen in Scotland, as the very best in modern times – And Dr Hawker is not a loose talker – But with my warmest remembrances to Mrs Brown, bearing in mind Saml Rogers precept I conclude

                         &c &c &c

                                                 H. C. Robinson

Postmark: Torquay AP 9 59. 

Text: Add. MS. 85291, f. 22, British Library.