Letter from Dorothy Wordsworth, Grasmere, to Lady Beaumont, 1806 June 24 : autograph manuscript signed.

Concerning the box of books she sent to John which "...came in perfect safety and have given general satisfaction; and great joy to your God-daughter (for poor Johnny is not here to look at the beautiful library which you have sent him) but could you see Dorothy how she spreads her hands and arms, and how she exclaims over each Book as she takes it from the case, and the whole together (such a number!) (when by special favour she is permitted to view them), then you would indeed be repaid for the trouble and pains you have taken! She lifts her arms, and shouts and dances, and calls out, 'Johnny Book! Dear Godmother sent Johnny Book!;" adding that "The binding of the manuscript destined for Coleridge is exactly to our minds, and Mr. Tuffin is not only forgiven, but we feel a little compunction for the reproaches which slipt from us when we supposed it to be lost;" adding that her Sister is recovering but still not as strong as she could be; signing the letter but then continuing with the date "Tuesday Evening"; explaining she missed the post that morning; quoting from a portion of a letter from Dr. Stoddart in Malta concerning Coleridge; saying that as it is likely that they have not heard from Coleridge in a long time he is writing to relieve them of their anxiety even though he does not have "...very precise information to communicate. The sum of the whole is that he is probably safe at Rome, but may be obliged to reside there privately, and perhaps under an borrowed name, till he finds an opportunity of returning either to Malta or England; relating the details of Coleridge's travels from his departure from Malta and adding "...I conclude that C. wished to travel incog: as he might with justice apprehend that the official character in which he acted here might expose him to suspicion, and as the French so openly violate all the rights of neutrality, they might think fit to seize him even at Rome. However, I think he has sufficiently obviated all danger of that kind, and being with Mr. B. he will probably be in no want of money;" saying that Stoddart's letter doesn't completely put them at ease "...for if there be need of so much caution there must be some danger, and we have reason yet to apprehend further delay; but we are furnished with a probable reason for his silence and we may be satisfied that he is not in want of money, which is very comfortable;" apologizing for the illegibility of this letter as she wrote in haste and didn't leave enough room to quote from Stoddart's letter.