1064. W. W. to THOMAS POOLE

• Address: Thos. Poole Esq^re, R. King's Esq^re, Redcliff Parade, Bristol.
• MS. untraced.
• LY ii. 802.

• Rydal Mount
• Aug. 20^th 1836

My dear Friend

Your Letter³ gave me great pleasure. I was fully assured that you would do your best to promote the good object I have in pg 286view, and therefore relied upon hearing from you in due course of Time. Thanks for your exertions; and for your contribution. By this day's post I shall write to Sir P. Ackland¹ as you suggest. His liberal contribution was grateful to me, both upon public and personal considerations.—As to the draft, I am sorry to be obliged to request you would keep it as well as your own contribution till the Project takes a more substantial Shape. My own little influence has not been exerted in vain, but a great disappointment has occurred in a high quarter. The Earl of Egremont is Lord of the Castle of Cockermouth and has a large property in the neighbourhood. Knowing his munificence I had over confidently relied upon his support. He thought it better, in which view he is quite mistaken, to enlarge the old Church and encrease the Endowment. But even to this I fear he is not likely to contribute; as he has just made an offer of two thousand pounds to the Inhabitants, to be disposed of for the benefit of the place in any way which they may approve. Preferring temporal things to spiritual they have chosen to have a new Market place with Buildings etc. This was wanted, and therefore one cannot complain. The other and still higher want will and must be supplied in course of time. I shall shortly go over to Cockermouth and learn the state of things upon the spot. In the meanwhile let me beg of you either to take charge of Sir Peregrin's subscription till you hear further from me, or if you prefer it return the draft to him, taking for granted it may be called for if the project be not dropped.

You express yourself as becomes an old and most valued Friend upon the affliction of my family. Of dear Miss Hutchinson I shall say no more than that her memory is consecrated in our hearts. My poor Sister cannot stand unsupported, and she suffers daily in body, but we trust by no means to the degree that a Stranger might suppose. If her mind had not been impaired by the disease its pressure would have been very much lighter upon the body. And this thought, Melancholy as it is, affords us some consolation.—My Daughter is certainly better as far as concerns pain: but the inflammation in the spine returns with carriage motion so therefore she cannot benefit by change of air; so that her strength comes back slowly pg 287if at all. Had she been able to travel the hope I had encouraged of seeing you and Stowey and Alfoxden would certainly have been fulfilled. As it is, we must submit to God's will.—My Wife and your old Friend my dear Sister, unite with me in the kindest remembrances, as does my daughter also.—With what you say upon our dear departed Friend Coleridge I entirely concur.

• Ever faithfully yours              
• W. Wordsworth    

Dora would be hurt to see a letter from her Father to you, in which her name was omitted among those of the Family who bear a delightful recollection of your friendly, tho' short visit at Rydal Mount¹—Most respectfully d^r Friend

Yours W. Wordsworth