Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1820-08-15
ROBERT SOuTHEY

The following letter from RoBERr SoUTHEY
to literary gentleman, in the north western
part OF our state, was lately enclosed to the
Editor of the Pittsburg Gazette, by friend
now travelling through that country. Any
thing from such pen as the laureate of Eng
land must be interesting, but the present let
ed with the dispute between English and Anne.
rican ge.sius. on the subject of American ta-
lens.. MIR. Southey is one Of those who hav
been suspected OF contributing their mite in
nour'shng ths prejudice. II must be crafty.
ing to every American TO read so feeling de-
Disl OF tho charge from Southey himself, aud
after reading bis communication, no one can
doubt the sincerity of one of the Z eatest poe
teal geDiuses of The age. [Pouison.
DEAR SIR-YOur letter and Your Gazette
came yesterday III parcel from my publish
ers, MessIs. LOUcman. thank you sincerely
for both: the book l shall hnd useful, and it
would not be easy tor me to express how much
have been affected as well az gratified By
your letter. With that wide ocean between
ms, you and l are in sympathy with each o.
Their.
:" In awakening my feelings you have also
strongly excited my curiosity. There is an
oak, or rather the shell of what was once
stately one, upon the east of Monk. hall, within
my view. about a quarter OF a mile distant. on
The side of the Greta. Isths your family tree !,
When the estate belonged to Sir nlichae,
Flemming, about ~ years ago, he sold The tim
Der upon il 10 the person who rented the farm,
an old man OF The name of Slack, and this old
oak thai all artists have admired, was marked
tor the axe, and purchased with tie rest. But
though Slack paid for il. lie did not choose to
destroy the tree. lie said 10 me " 1t was long
there before my time. aud would not be the
man who should cut il down." have respected
The old nan since He has lett the farm, bur
the oak Is yet standing.
here Tds within my view, a yew tree,
likewise OF great age and beauty. The tow
OF heswick, consists principally of one long
street, aud this yew ice stuuu behind some
10 hpp faI al,
twenty years; other bindings have since been
bhiit behind them, aud 10 make o-ir, tor these
the xsw, To my great regret, was destroyed.
There is yet a third tree TO which your
history may perddventure relate. II is a View
mouth pine upon the top OF a little hull called
Cock sbOt-the hill is covered with wood. but
This pine j. mauifestly half a century older
than all the rest, aud stands II cons piruous
object above them ALL. ...If this should be
youi tree, L have deeper feeling connect.
ed With il even than youts. lad an only
| son. OF whom il has pleased God to bereave
me-he was my pupil, and uaS his play Jei-
all my strength, for he was i'm intellect
and disposition every thing 1 could desire.
and IN requirements believe superior to ev.
cry boy. OF his age. He was the constant
was to that pine tree. 1t was not a happy
one, tor the symptoms of that disease which
proved mortal had appeared sufficiently 10
Iisqu!et me greatly. Eut he chose that point
wv ms "atNs anu ciJoyFu upon lis summit
something of his hahitual cheertulmess And I
remember that he tomciied the tree and re-
marked that II must have been planted before
the surrounding wood. Ills full ia view from
the window OF my study-but have never
since ventured TO The spot
Ten me IL either OF these may he the me-
mortal 10 which sou allude, or direct me 10 il
it YOU can, That If it. be sill staudi.g, / NAV
use my eneeavors TO prevent il from ever being
cat down.
Tel me also how may direct some of nv
recent publications TO You. My publisher NAV
probably enclose them in packet TO n. York
u yon will inform me 10 whose care they may
he directed. would tain keep mp this inter.
course with you, and ii you can enable me TO
| ascertain your tree, will have drawing made
OF 10, and send il To you.
ferocieus attack was made upon me by
some persons at New York, upon the false
supposiiion that had written an abuse of A.
Inericans. Very different are my feelings to-
wards America. My inheritance indeed is there
as rel as IN England. Wherever the English
Language prevails, there l hope that my tread
shall be found after many days-npon the
waters OF the Hudson, as well as the Thames,
aud of our DerwsDtwater.
Your Gazetteer will be usefM to me, for
have began poem Of considerable length OF
which the scene lies in Conneciicut aud the
time in Philips war. Your state is near e.
nough for the natural images Of ono country
TO be applicable to the other. Uy feelings to-
udrds Imrricd wtN be seen an This poem.
And now Sir, God bless y0n
Your obliged friend,
ROBERT SOUfHEY