BYRON'S LETTERS TO DOUGLAS KINNAIRD ... - Get a Free Blog

2:1
2 d .) the idea is ridiculous – as every thing must there be sacrificed to seeing her out of harm’s way. – It
is a case too in which interest does not enter, and therefore hard to deal with – for I have no kind of
control – in that way – and if she makes a scene – (and she has a turn that way) we shall have
another romance – and tale of ill usage – {and abandonment} – and Lady Caroling – and Lady
Byroning – and Glenarvoning – all cut and dry; – there never was a man who gave up so much to
women – and all I have gained by it – has been the character of treating them harshly. – – – – –
However I shall do what I can – and have hopes – for her father has been recalled from his political
exile – but with this proviso – that he do not return without his daughter. – – – –
If I left a woman for another woman – she might have cause to complain – but really – when a man
merely wishes to go on a great duty for a good cause – this selfishness on the part of the “feminie” is
rather too much.
ever y rs .
N. B. –
2:2
I add the enclosed letter from Mr. J. H. which does him credit. – – – –
Also another M.S.S. for a proof from the same.
Byron to Douglas Kinnaird, from Genoa, May 24th 1823:
(Source: text from NLS Ms.43454; BLJ X 184-5)
[To – The Honourable / Douglas Kinnaird. / Messrs Ransom & Co. Bankers . / Pall Mall East. /
London. / Angleterre. // Inghilterra.]
A single, two-side sheet.
Genoa. May 24 th . l823.
My dear Douglas –
By this post – I have written to Hobhouse – and enclosed him a curious letter from a
Greek of our acquaintance 148 – who first offered – and now declines to give any information – however
simple – on behalf of his Countrymen – {out of apprehension apparently of the Government but
whether his own or the Tuscan he does not say} – and then concludes with the demand of a loan for
himself! – I say that this is not to be a specimen of their general behaviour. – I have heard once from
Blaquiere from Corfu – and forwarded the letter to Hobhouse. – I also have had (dated March 14 th .!)
the Circular from the Chairman of the G. Committee – which I have answered accepting the
nomination. – The delay was not my fault. – As I only had the letter two days ago. – I wrote to you by
last post but shall not hurry for the Credits – – till I hear something more positive – either from the
Committee or from Blaquiere of what kind of reception I
1:2 [above address:] am likely to have from the Greek G t . for if it is to be like Karvellas’
Correspondence – I may as well wait to hear how far I shall be welcome – before I adventure a large
sum of money – and my personal safety in [below address:] behalf of those who may not thank you for
either. – But I am ready and willing to fulfil all that I proposed – so that the Committee think it will be
of service – – and I would even in that case – put it out of the question how far my presence may be
acceptable or not to the Greeks themselves. – –
y rs . ever
N. B.
Byron to Douglas Kinnaird, from Genoa, May 26th 1823:
(Source: text from NLS Ms.43454; not in 1922 II; BLJ X 186)
[To – The Honorable / Douglas Kinnaird. / Messrs Ransom and C o . Bankers / Pall Mall East / London.
/ Angleterre. // Inghilterra.]
A single sheet.
May 26 th . 1823. –
My dear Douglas – I have to acknowledge a letter of Credit for £4000 sterling received by this day’s
post. – Last week I sent to you M r . Barry’s (partner of Messrs Webb here who have been particularly
attentive throughout – in every respect) Suggestions on the subject of credit on the Levant – which his
house would undertake as you will see stated. – I shall reserve y r . present letter till I hear further – – I
148: This was Nikolas Karvellas, who with his brother had been dogging B.’s footsteps since Geneva. See B. to
H., May 24th 1823, and H. to B., June 11th 1823.
85