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Memoir of Francis Hodgson
Augusta Leigh to Francis Hodgson, 30 December 1818
INTRODUCTION & INDEXES
DOCUMENT INFORMATION
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Preface
Vol. 1 Contents
Chapter I.
Chapter II. 1794-1807.
Chapter III. 1807-1808.
Chapter IV. 1808.
Chapter V. 1808-1809.
Chapter VI. 1810.
Chapter VII. 1811.
Chapter VIII. 1811.
Chapter IX. 1811.
Chapter X. 1811-12.
Chapter XI. 1812.
Chapter XII. 1812-13.
Chapter XIII. 1813-14.
Vol. 2 Contents
Chapter XIV. 1815-16.
Chapter XV. 1816-18.
Chapter XVI. 1815-22.
Chapter XVII. 1820.
Chapter XVIII. 1824-27.
Chapter XIX. 1827-1830
Chapter XX. 1830-36.
Chapter XXI. 1837-40.
Chapter XXII. 1840-47.
Chapter XXIII. 1840-52.
Index
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St. James’s Palace: December 30, 1818.

Dear Mr. Hodgson,—I have very long been reproaching myself for my silence towards you, and your kind letter really fills me with remorse. I well recollect my promise of writing should I have good to relate, and, having been eight months established in apartments of my own here, contrary to my most sanguine expectations and hopes, it appears to me downright ingratitude to have omitted telling one who would have rejoiced so sincerely in my good fortune. I can only confess my fault and beg forgiveness. A hundred times at least have I resolved upon despatching an epistle to Bakewell, and always something or other has interfered with my resolve. But I won’t trouble you with excuses, but proceed to thank you a thousand times for your kind indulgence and interest. It would give me the greatest pleasure, dear Mr. H., to make you a visit according to your kind invitation, and Col. L. will, I am sure, feel as grateful as I do. He is now at Belvoir Castle. If I could find myself there during
NEWS OF BYRON.53
 some of your holidays I surely should be tempted to extend my trip to your vicarage. But, alas! at present I am so beset with bairns of one age or other, it is difficult to leave or take them about. However, let us hope, and I do, that you and Mrs. H. will never come south without remembering I am to be found here, and should be so happy to see you. Of our poor dear B. I have received two letters within this last year—the last dated September. This is all I can tell you from him: that he wrote (as usual to me) on the old subject very uncomfortably, and on his present pursuits, which are what one could but dread and expect of him. I hear he looks very well, but fat, immensely large, and his hair long. Mr. Hanson has lately returned from Venice, having been there to sign and seal away our dear lamented Abbey. He left him well on the 19th November, but with no intention of a return to England. I have not seen Mr. H., he wrote this to me; but no letter from B. So you see I must have patience as well as you. I have heard from a friend of B. that it is the intention of Mr. Kinnaird and Mr. Hobhouse to take the affairs out of Hanson’s hands. If all that is said is true so much the better. I hear, too, that Fletcher is coming home, that B. writes in good
54 MEMOIR OF REV. F. HODGSON.
spirits, but that he is sure to do to those correspondents. There are some poems forthcoming—God knows what—but I will write to you again soon. I am vexed at your hint from the Midland County; and, do you know, I never allow myself to believe such things except from you, or one as candid and well acquainted with both sides of the question. Is the initial of the name D. or M. or C.? I have three guesses. God bless you, dear Mr. H. With kindest remembrances and wishes for your welfare and happiness,

I remain,
Yours most truly,
A. L.