Henry Crabb Robinson, 30 Russell Square, London, to N. Warner Bromley, [Bansfield Hall], 6 November 1861.

London

30 Russell Square W[C]

6th Nov: 1861

My dear Sir,

       I was gratified by your letter of the 30th Oct: so kind and so attentive – I did not intend that so many days should elapse before I answerd it I should have been mortified had you passed thro’ London before I had done so – I have no anxiety about Executorial matters Your eye will be over the little that remains to be done – Indeed the payment of the duty on the Annuities which I believe you are aware I have taken on myself is all that remains to be yet done, but which cannot be paid till the end of three years – that is, the commencement of the 4th. And when this precisely is I do not know and do not ever care to know[.]

      I have not heard from W Leach since you put those papers in his hands He is by no means an active man but matters of routine I was desirous of leaving to him – I hoped that he would be desirous of shewing that when Newell was removed something might be done in his place – And I have requested Mr Aspland to write to him as solicitor to the Presbyterian Meeting at Bury There are elements of goodness which ought to be called out – Mr Sedge’s illness and hoped for recovery I had heard of And rejoiced at the happy change – of your own intended removal I had not heard of Wherever you are may you be happy – And I have no doubt that you will be so, with which materials of happiness before you which are so copious and complete I know too little of the neighbourhood of Bansfield to be cognisant of your own future residence You will be near enough to superintend all your mother’s concerns and household –

       My niece is as well as the recurrence of recent losses admit of – Since the death of her brother she has lost an old friend in Miss Jackson who was a most valuable friend And who superintend the family [of] Mr Small who went as Attorney Genl to Hong Kong – Sympathy with Mrs Small her Sister And anxiety on account of the sad state in which the family are left have deeply affected her – The same with Miss Hutchison The Lassies are the consolation of the elder sisters – Their vivacity keeps the hours in motion and consequently in health

       Of myself I am not fond of speaking My headyness or giddiness whatever you call it, does not diminish And keeps me in perpetual discomfort And insecurity the strongest words I ought to use – In other respects I am tolerably well –

       Of public matters I have nothing new to [missing word] I still will not despair that Italy may be ultimately united notwithstanding the enmity of the K: of Naples King of Naples which alone is of little moment And the secret intrigues of the Emperor of the French I fear the strange course pursued by Guizot defending the imperial power of the Pope in support of that same system of intrigue It is otherwise quite inexcusable that an ex prime minister of Louis the Orleanist and an avowed Protestant, retaining his faculties should act so –

       I am equally unwilling to doubt of the permanent separation of the ex-United States I care not who is the President of the free-state or slave state The question of slavery is the only one of importance in my eyes – And whether any general engagement should end in favour of North or South is to be decided mainly in my eyes <> hopes & wishes by the effect of that issue on the question of slavery Ultimately on this result will depend the moral and social character of the States of America – I did not attempt to attend the Middle Temple Festival – I had not courage to endure the fatigue – I have lately been very much of a recluse –

       I trust I shall see you on your passage thro’ London tho accompanied as you will be – That accompaniment adding as it does to your happiness, nevertheless affects the freedom of your action –

       I beg my best Comps to your Mother & Wife &c – And be assured I am

             Your obliged friend

                          H.C. Robinson

Nath Warner Bromley

Esqr  &c &c

Bansfield Hall –

Looking over your letter before sending off this I am alarmed by perceivg that you write of coming up in the second week of Nov: into which we are just entering I trust I shall not find I am too late

Text: MS 3/1993, Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge.