Henry Crabb Robinson, 30 Russell Square, London, to Elizabeth Reid and Miss Sturch, Belvedere Mansion, Brighton, 26 June 1861.

30 Russell Square

26th June 1861

My dear friends

       It just occurs to me with sufficient strength to induce me to put pen to paper what has by fits and starts <–> been suggested to me before, that I ought myself to inform you of what has been the cause of your not having heard from me or seen me now for more than four weeks – Perhaps you know already – As accidents of every kind are matter of universal gossip – So there is no great vanity in presuming that I am talked about – Indeed why affect humility? Am I not called the ‘Venerable” in the list of persons attending the Unit: Association? That makes ^of me^ a sort of equal of me to an Archdeacon

       Now it happens that on Sunday the 9th Instant I was on my way towards York Terrace from the Pent: St Chapel when a change of the weather obliged me me [sic] to change my course And the continued rain having taken off every kind of vehicle I was forced to continue walking And after a time – where precisely I could never recollect, that dizziness which has frequently annoyed me by threats at length attained its heighth – and I fell

       Who picked me up I know not – But I was again alone And seeing a man near me clean tho’ poorly dressed And with an honest face I asked if he could render me the Service of leading me home He very readily undertook it And no further mishap occurred I had a cut on the back of my head which bled, but the chief inconvenience arose a strain on the muscles of the back and side  I was relieved from anxiety by the assurance of every one professional And unprofessional but familiar with such accidents that there is no cause of apprehension But it in its indirect consequences it is of more moment – In fact it will occasion a change of my mode of life together Perhaps you may say So much the better – This slight injury may prove a protection agt a more serious one

       The fact is I have nearly left off walking And when I do I use two sticks But except when in the immediate neighbourhood I must have a companion I am slowly recovering spirits & strength I might add memory for I have been sadly forgetful of late of wch the late appearance of this letter is an instance illustration

       I have since this fall been very little out of the house – And never walked except with a companion – I have a sense of insecurity which is very unpleasant tho’ with close attention I can pretty well, I fancy, guess when I am likely to be giddy so as to lose my balance –

       I have had engagements I < > not willingly break And I have some still before me some I should be sorry to break

       But after this the week of the Unitarian [Association] I trust I shall enjoy repose And be able to discharge some matters of business –

       My principal object in writing now is to say that I hope to see you at the M: N: Coll: soiree tomorrow Evening – Perhaps to day to hear Madge’s address to the Students

       I have seen Mad Mohl And am to be with her at Bagehots on Saturday –

      I write this letter jointly to Mrs Reid or Miss Sturch – not knowing precisely who will open it or answer it

       Since my Accident I have been [in] imperfect communication with the world But I have not been so far removed from all intercourse with men as not to have heard & rejoiced in the great events of the day –

      I ha The Kingdom of Italy is recognised by the Emperor of France – tho’ without Rome that will keep united the Italians

       The Pope loses nearly all his temporality

    In America – The continued Union becomes daily more and more difficult and improbable    this is worth living to see accomplished

             Your affectionate friend

                         H. C. Robinson

Mrs Reid

Miss Sturch

Text: BC/RF/103/4/24, Archives, Royal Holloway University of London.