Item data
Item Type:
Document
From:
Caldwell, Andrew
Sent from:
Dublin, Ireland
To:
Smith, Sir James Edward
Summary:
Sorry to have not met Smith at Liverpool, Lancashire. Alarm of possible invasion, hopes that a compromise may soon be reached between the "two hostile governments" [presumably Britain and France]. Condolence on death of Mr Taylor, commiserates by relating how much he has been affected by the recent death of a close friend, [Mangin]. The burdens of a long life, religion his only consolation, does not feel Dr Johnson's horror of the idea of non-existence. Believes that the Irish Courts of Justice not being permitted to do any business next term shows the government is alarmed by the prospect of a French invasion, and although it would be easier for them to invade England they will meet with many more friends in Ireland. Has heard there is a "pleasing litterary society" in Liverpool, where he has been staying. Also met [William] Roscoe, complimentary towards Dr Currie. Saw multiple 'Xeranthemum' had by a lady from the Cape.
Letter date:
21 Oct 1803
Languages:
English
Prev Ref No:
3.52
Additional Information:
| Note type | Note |
|---|
| Publn Note | Smith, P (ed.), (1832). "Memoir and correspondence of... Sir James Edward Smith" London: Longman, vol 2, pp.155-158, [includes an expanded section on the death of his friend, and discussion of Scottish poets inlcuding Robert Burns and Allan Ramsay, neither of which are extant in any of the letters although both are mentioned in Dawson's catalogue. Last paragraph of letter JES/COR/3/26 regarding Banks' library and gifts from Madam Bonaparte is appended]. |
| Related Material | For further discussion of the political situation in Ireland see JES/COR/3/14-15; JES/COR/3/17-18; JES/COR/3/20; JES/COR/3/22. |
| Finding Aids | Dawson, W R, (1934). "Catalogue of the manuscripts in the Library of The Linnean Society - Part I. The Smith papers: The correspondence and miscellaneous papers of Sir James Edward Smith", London: Linnean Society. |
