Henry Crabb Robinson, 30 Russell Square, to Baroness Burdett-Coutts, 1 Stratton Street, Picadilly, 11 May 1866.  

[f. 175r]

May 11th 1866

30 Russell Square

W. C.

Dear Miss B: Cootts

       When I sat down a few days since to write and inform you I had executed your Commission – And not to be betrayed into an indecorous length of letter – I took up the smallest piece of paper within my reach – But I filled it unhappily And without even expressing distinctly as I ought my Sentiment of friendship towards our common friend Mrs Brown – And our few other departed common friends not necessary to name – They live in our hearts & recollections –. I will not break my second resolution which is, not to turn over this leaf in addition to what I leave unsigned and undated With a recommendn to leave all but the first page unread for that really contains all I had to say – Before many weeks when satisfd that you are in Stratton Stt I will make my appearance in

                         “Happy to catch you just at luncheon time!”

  And begging my kind regards to Mrs Brown

            Your sincere friend

                                     H. C. Robinson

Address: Miss Burdett Cootts [sic]. /1 Stratton Street / Piccadily. 

Postmark: London WC 11 MY 66 

Text: Papers of Baroness Burdett-Coutts, MS. 1380, fol. 175, Lambeth Palace Library, London.