Henry Crabb Robinson, 30 Russell Square, to Mrs Benjamin Austen [most likely at 33 Guilford Street], 5 June 1859.

Dear Mrs Austen

       You need not be alarmed by the Size of the volume for only nine pages at the outside will exercise either your eyes or your patience – And I should not have presumed to put either to any trial whatever, if I had not wished to direct your attention to a practical truth of great importance but nearly forgotten name. Viz that the case of the Roman Catholics is different from that of all others who are placed in a similar position. To assert any authority whatever of the bishop of Rome over any portion of the Queen’s Dominions – which he does who imprudently calls himself the Bishop of Westminster is a political offence.

        [f.87v] P.S. You will pardon, perhaps because you despise a few Anti-Churchisms in the paper but they will be less offensive than the ultra Churchisms of your late parochial guide and pastor.

       I have sent the article in the original magazine, not so intended when the first part of this note was written – because you may like to read as personally interesting the page 512.

       The magazine contains page 1. The paper on the other side – which my paper follows – page 9 – It is in the way well done And shews the view of the apologists for acquiescence [f. 88r] and ought to be treated as such And it would be no intolerance if it were required of every M.P. or magistrate that he should deny such authority to the Pope – or vacate his office, being a virtual refusal of a declaration of allegiance. It is no question of religion – And if a man plead conscience, the reply is the state has a conscience too – which the chief magistrate administers. This would be a good substitute for the refusal of a power to the Pope to authorise murder which is a simple insult &c &c &c

       I shall call soon and take away the Vol: lest it should by a species of spontaneous combustion ignite and endanger your safety

                                     &c &c &c

                                                H. C. R.

Text: Layard Papers, Add. MS. 58197, fols. 87-88, British Library.