Henry Crabb Robinson, 30 Russell Square, London, to Elizabeth Reid, [no address], 2 August [1861?].

30 Russell Square

Augt 2d

My dear Mrs Reid

       You kindly hint that if I am disposed after the fashion of Bottom to bestow any of my weariness upon you I may address my favors to York Terrace And so you will receive them within a short time – I will do so – And as in fact what I have to say may be endured  with equal patience by Mddle [sic] as by Madame I will as on a former occasion direct a doubly – In these cases participation is not diminution, you may neither of you be at York Terrace And in that case there will be a Letter to dispose of

       You recommend me to read Mr Channing’s pamphlet – I have read, not it, but not in it – And tho it cannot but contain much interesting matter yet on the whole it is a very unsatisfacty production in my eyes – He has a sincere attachment to the cause of emancipation, but that has not enabled him to estimate as he ought the nation & people to which he belongs – I had a little talk with him at the Unit: Association And had no wish to prolong it – He seemed willing indeed desirous to preserve the Union tho at the expence of re-establishing slavery – “We shall get rid of that soon” !!!

       If you have not yet read the National Rev: on the Civil War – pray read it – W: Greg is the Writer – a masterly production – The opinion is gaining ground that Separation is the one thing needful But with it, I grieve to say, is the apprehension strengthened that the North will again compromise with the South – I despise the North as much as I abhor the South – And I would rather the South should to a certain extent succeed than be entirely defeated if by such an occurrence the determination should be strengthened that they will be a separate state – I have a strong conviction that slavery will in that way receive its mortal wound If any reunion take place they will [have] scotched the snake not killed it –

       Of Italian matters – the other object of transcendent interest – I have nothing yet to say – It seems pretty well understood by those who are within earshot of the great people that Sardinia is doomed unless England makes the Cession a case of war – Either alternative is deplorable – I do not presume to form an opinion for I have no materials on which to found one –

       To descend to small matters One’s little self included – Last Sunday I went over to Hampstead to see the Tayler’s in their new house – It is prettily situated And altogether that amiable family were full of hope and encouragement – Both Mr & Mrs T. are greatly better than they were – But they bear marks of shattering assaults –

       The last week has been an improvemt on the preceding but I feel as it were, insecure when on my legs in the open air And this I do not expect to get rid of

       Tomorrow I must go into the city on Business And on Sunday I mean to try the region of the park And ascertain who are there – I have not had courage to enquire in Cumberland Terrace – or York Terrace – Any answer to this letter I cannot expect at this late [hour?] for it is destined to the Column –

       Tho’ I have put an international name at the top – It may bear the other application – being of each with sincere friendship &c &c &c

                                     H. C. Robinson

Text: BC/RF/103/4/25, Archives, Royal Holloway University of London.