Henry Crabb Robinson, [no address], to Elizabeth Reid, [no address], 1 February 1863.

1st Feb: 1863

 My dear Mrs Reid –

       Enquiring of Mr Darwin lately at the Athenaeum whether you were at home he answerd yes And that you had a need not having seen me for a long time – I therefore determined at all events to come to you this morning when my breakfasting friends left me – But on rising to get my self ready And give my directions to Jackson such a giddyness came over me as made the thought of mounting the carnage step unpleasant And from this disagreeable sensation I have not yet recoverd – It does not amount to pain or more than malaise – but it indisposes me to all exertion And I go no where without some necessity – Yesterday Lady Byles called on me And engaged me if I went any where to be with her about One And I meant if I drive out, to drive to Bolton’s Where my niece is – It is about six weeks since I have been here – She was walking near her own door when (having her hands in a muff) a sudden gust at her back blew with such violence than unable to depend herself she was thrown on her face – And taken up coverd with blood – She is in a fair way of recovery But where there is a concussion of the brain from a fall – no one knows where the consequences are at an end ---

       I doubt whether I shall be able to go or not – My sole object in writing this is that you may ascribe any seeming neglect to the right cause – It is purely internal –

       I never felt more earnestly on public matters than I do now – I have been so disgusted with the Pro-slavery spirit of the Sat Rev: that I now take in its place the Spectator. I vastly prefer it How much better is in the last number the Paper on Louis Naps praise of English motives institutions – I am disgusted with the coarse tone of your English pretended Gentry on these matters – Yet I am but a faint supporter of the cause of the North And heartily concur with Mr Maurice in his letter to the Spectator –

       To feel so strongly on any point that the perception of facts is thereby clouded is very seldom justified by the result – at this moment parties are so disturbed by the shaking that one knows not how to fix its ultimate [dishonesty?]

       I think there is great good sense in Mr Maurice’s Letter He is a wise man – Beesly is become a violent partisan of the North I have but few acquaintce who are partisans of the South I can hardly tolerate them – Yet I believe that a Separation is necessary for the good of all parties my fear is that owing to the imbecility of the North, the final be much too too favorable to the Pro-slavery party --     

       But I am summoned to put on my Shoes I mean to take a walk round the Square

       Kindest regards to Miss Sturch

             very sincerely Your friend

                         H. C. Robinson

Mrs Reid

Text: BC/RF/103/4/28, Archives, Royal Holloway University of London.