hat you are still, in the worldly sense of the word, an
unfortunate man,--that you are withdrawn from pursuits which were
consonant to your habits and inclinations, and that a public
expression of respect and good-will, made in the hope that it might
have been serviceable to you, can have no such effect.

"When I observed your autograph in the little book, I wrote to
inquire of Mr. Major whether it had come to his hands from you,
directly or indirectly, for my use, that, in that case, I might
thank you for it. It proved otherwise, but I would not lose an
opportunity which I had wished for.

"Judging of you (as I would myself be judged) by your works, I saw
in the editor of the _Every-Day_ and _Table Books_ a man who had
applied himself with great diligence to useful and meritorious
pursuits. I thought that time, and reflection, and affliction, (of
which it was there seen that he had had his share,) had contributed
to lead him into this direction, which was also that of his better
mind. What alteration had been produced in his opinions it concerned
not me to inquire; here there were none but what were
unexceptionable,--no feelings but what were to be approved. From all
that appeared, I supposed he had become 'a sadder and a wiser man:'
I therefore wished him success in his literary undertakings.

"The little parcel which you mention I shall receive with pleasure.

"I wish you success in your present undertaking, whatever it be, and
that you may one day, under happier circumstances, resume a pen
which has, of late years, been so meritoriously employed. If your
new attempt prosper, you will yet find leisure for intellectual
gratification, and for that self-improvement which may be carried on
even in the busiest concerns of life.

"I remain, Sir, yours with sincere good will,

"ROBERT SOUTHEY."

In the advertisement columns of the same issue of _The Times_ (May 21)
was the following notice, drawn up, I assume, by Lamb:--

THE FAMILY OF WILLIAM HONE, in the course of last winter, were
kindly assisted by private friends to take and alter the premises
they now reside in, No. 13, Gracechurch-street, for the purpose of a
coffeehouse, to be managed by Mrs. Hone and her elder daughters; but
they are in a painful exigency which increases hourly, and renders a
public appeal indispensable