‘Too Frivolous to Too Interest the Public’? Walter Scott, Richard Polwhele, and Frivolous Archipelagic Correspondence [ Daf ydd Moore

a Abstr The Cornish writer Richard Polwhele and Sir Walter Scott corresponded on matters literary and social for a period of 25 years at the start of the nineteenth century without ever meet- ing. This article examines the published traces of this epistolary acquaintance and estab- lishes what it might tell us about the lines of connection and dissemination it was possible ct to establish in Romantic Britain between what might otherwise be thought of as outlying

] areas of the nation. The article contributes to a number of recent archipelagic attempts to better understand the distributed or devolved nature of print culture within the nations and regions of Britain, in this case through a focus on the interconnections between them...... Keywords Richard Polwhele, Walter Scott, Poetry, Regionalism, Letter Correspondence.

In late August 1825, the Cornish clergyman, poet, antiquarian, and controversial- ist Richard Polwhele wrote to Sir Walter Scott asking for permission to print a selection of the letters he had received from Scott. The two men had never met in person, but had continued correspondence on matters antiquarian, literary and, almost certainly, personal, over a period of nearly 25 years. On 6 October, Scott wrote back granting permission, though he thought ‘the greater part of them are too frivolous to interest the public.’ 1 A number of letters appeared in volume two of Polwhele’s Traditions and Recollections: Domestic, Clerical, and Literary of 1826, and a slightly larger selection dedicated to John Gibson Lockhart and glorying under the not insubstantial title of The Letters of Sir Walter Scott addressed to the Rev R Polwhele; D Gilbert Esq; Francis Douce, Esq, &c., &c. Accompanied by an Autobiographical Memoir of Lieut. General Sir Hussey Vivian was eventually published in 1832 in London by Polwhele’s long-time publisher John Nichols and Son. It is not clear from the published correspondence whether this larger collection was what Polwhele had in mind when he wrote to Scott in the first place. Of the 28 letters published, 20 are to Polwhele, one is to Gilbert concerning Polwhele, two are to Douce on non-Polwhele matters. One suspects that the letters that do not have direct connection to Polwhele owe their presence to the assumption that, in the words of Nichols’s advertisement ‘nothing that has ever proceeded from the pen of Walter Scott will be unacceptable to the public.’2 The volume also contains

Dafydd Moore, Professor of eighteenth-century literature, Plymouth University Aarhus University Press, Romantik, 02, 2013, pages 103-124 103

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- - In this way, In this way, 7 Equally, John Ker Equally, 9 That said, the ways in which in which That said, the ways 4 years have done little to unsettle Scott’s little done unsettle to initial have years 1 8 1 5 An understanding of the neglected regional literary regional figures theof neglected understanding An 6 while Alan Rawes and Gerard Carruthers- the Alan to while ‘negoti and Gerard Rawes refer 8 832 volume of letters offers an interesting contributionto an in- an interesting offers of letters 832 volume 1 Polwhele is a figure who should benefit from what Nicholas Roe terms Roe Nicholas what from who should benefit is a figure Polwhele 3 It is in the context of this uncertainty methodological - that understand recent This essay aims to redress this neglect (in scholarly terms at least) by arguing terms arguing by at least) (in scholarly this neglect redress aims to This essay - theRomanti of of dialogues speaks theof recovery ‘discarded Pittock Murray cism in these isles’, ings of Romanticism as a phenomenon that as a ings of Romanticism itself in terms define ‘continued to of attention to model formulate sensitive can help to a more of conversation’ literatures. regional of British in terms Romanticism with and relationships of their interconnections a crude It can lead to that reductionism asserts without drawbacks. is not others that the- with writer because of a relationship a previ of value discussed is only and it is recognisedously ‘great’ the quo), status that reinforces only (an equation Johnsonian) (or Addisonian the to thataccusation broadly a itself is it vulnerable - Anglo-cum-me of eighteenth-century inherently and therefore version culture, character to the it remains case that the satisfying attempts most trocentric. Yet, ise a version of the past that ‘denotes the historiography of no single nation but nation single no of the the thatof historiography past ‘denotes version a ise experiment of in the and interaction creation and uncompleted of a problematic in ways on dialogue and exchange nations’ metaphorically, if only focus, several fruitfulthat more are than shrill assertions of individual worth. such rehabilitation is conducted needs careful attention if it is not to fall victim fall to attention if it is not is conducted needs careful rehabilitation such critical assertion- of an unfeeling of a naïve in the estab face theto temptations puts it, ‘the of elements in a self-congratulation Pittock lishment. As Murray which eye, by the metropolitan braggadocio identified as provincial local elite are is ‘the of which the upshot perspectives’, alter its own to sees no reason as a result of caricature bornprevalence of self-worth sense either or an of an exaggerated dismiss.’ to desire ignorant prediction, and this testament to a quarter of a century’s this and to prediction, testament epistolary friendship and unread. forgotten lies largely that this slim some 200 ‘introductory lines’ by Polwhele, the ‘introductorysome 200 lines’ significant Polwhele, proportion by which of Nichols’s Despite to it has confidence, Scott. to letters of his own one from are be said that the intervening rigan characterises archipelagic criticism as a process of ‘stripp[ing] away mod- criticismrigan of ‘stripp[ing] archipelagic as a process characterises away ern the Anglo-Centric long, braided and Victorian recover imperial to paradigms the culture’; of Romantic of the energies current decentred ‘sharper awareness critical studies the Romantic of dynamic key thata belief is . . . ‘regionalism . . . are and the cultures that and regional conclusion marginality ‘canonical now’ urgently in need of reassessment within in need of reassessment England.’ urgently ated dialogues where complicated questions of aesthetics, cultural politics, and cultural of aesthetics, questions complicated ated dialogues where fashion.’ complex in equally and answered asked, nation are creasingly important intersection between two of the recent ways in which critics which in theof ways recent two between intersection important creasingly of understandings the archipelagic ideology’: namely ‘Romantic questioned have sense of the literaryRomantic and our increasing socia- of importance culture, - else argued have As I culture. Romantic to and conversation collaboration bility, where,

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Central to such an effort must be a consideration of why we might find docu- we might why of be a consideration an effort must such to Central words the present essay adds to our understanding of the of intra- importance our understanding adds to the essay present words between interconnections on focus print its through culture provincial regional print thana writer and Scottish rather considering culture based in Cornwall Cornish print in isolation. culture to be possible not or may it may of what and interest, as this ments such of value be significant.vol- it might what The subject of and for the the about volume, say – yet, sense that – in the his letters they are literal Scott is ostensibly ume of letters or at least they it is what tell us about Polwhele, point of view, a revisionist from concern. is of central Indeed which and Polwhele, Scott the between relationship the description given in the advertisement of the revisionist publica- this is barely the by Rev Scott with Sir Walter tion as ‘a memorial enjoyed the to intercourse that shifts a characterisation immediately a significant- pro Polwhele’, Richard At himself. Polwhele to Scott from away portion of the of the volume emphasis Polwhele’sof the hitching not is the thepoint of exercise thehowever, time, same establish to and simplistically backhandedly in order Scott’s to bandwagon star thebeen equation have this may like Something thetheof importance former. an paradoxical his friend, to however as he wrote in Polwhele’s mind of course Polwhele effort at self-assertion at that it comes of be, given the cost that might aside the of) (lack But leaving rendering himself invisible. such of any credibility run the would counter to spirit conclusion - of a revi a simplistic such a claim, knowledge of interrogating literary general sionism that way subtle a more seeks or influence. In relationship via a hithertothan value claiming underemphasised and the made about this the that volume, claims can be responsibly words, other not less, limited and specific; but it is more, are it testifies, which to relationship as a consequence. interesting histories played out across the British-Irish out across histories played archipelago’. claims in his ‘empirical study of the and patternshis ‘empirical in study actual mechanisms claims of literary on the as ground’production In Chandler’s emerges in Norwich. Norwich work, of literary part intricate national network of the and decentralised ‘increasingly in late eighteenth-centuryproduction’ Britain.’ British Enlightenment. ciable and archipelagic comes together in John Brewer’s claim that provincial in- that in John Brewer’s claim provincial comes together archipelagic ciable and less poor imitations, extensions, much as distant not ‘themselves saw tellectuals partsimportant and integral but as culture, even of a national, of metropolitan international, culture’, work has been explicitly archipelagic in considering has been explicitly archipelagic these of the interconnection work of non-metropolitan their partwider network of a nodes of activity, regional on the print Chandler focuses print example, Norwich of For culture culture. cities, and provincial and other Norwich thanrather the connections between literary as career Winscom’s provincial Schürer’sNorbert of Jane Cave account and fur of London the world publishing from separately one conducted entirely happened she with the engagement wherever community ‘local theredthrough those communities. consider the between links be living’ does not to 96473_romantik 2_.indd 105 19/12/13 09.30

- 16 The 803. 789), 1 1 803, he 1 778) a ‘by 786) – and 1 1 803, even if Ina Ferris803, even 1 780s as a curate at Kenton 780s Kenton at as a curate 1 805. He could count himself could 805. He 1 785). During this time, Polwhele 1 792 and produced a volume of Essays of Essays a volume 792 and produced 1 760, Polwhele died on the same family estate in estate the died on same family 760, Polwhele 1 777. Polwhele left Christ Church Oxford without a left Oxford Christ Polwhele Church 777. 1 792). He was, furthermore was, 792). He member of the Ex- a founder 1 If Scott was at the beginning of his literary career, then theat literaryhis of was beginning career, Scott If 15 798), a rabidly anti-Jacobin attack on radical female authorship. female on radical anti-Jacobin attack 798), a rabidly 1 782 and proceeded to spend much of the782 spend much to and proceeded 1 802, but it would not be published until be published not 802, but it would 1 in 796. If there was such a thing as a Devon or Exeter ‘Enlightenment’, commit- ‘Enlightenment’, Exeter or thing a such a Devon as If there796. was Before moving on to the letters themselves, it is worth establishing the relative the is worth it establishing relative themselves, the to on letters moving Before Born just outside Truro in Born outside Truro just 1 838. In between times, he was a clergyman, poet, polemical journalist and review poet, a clergyman, times, he was 838. In between in degree in pleased with published effort the The Minstrelsy success of his first of the Scottish in May had appeared of which , theBorder volume third position of the two men at the outset of their at the men correspondence outset theposition of in September two began collecting materials for his first county history. He also drew together the together He also drew county history. collecting materialsbegan his first for Chiefly by Gentlemen of Poems, volume of the in a two of the region poets works ( and Cornwall Devonshire - in his reputa mark high-water inconsiderable the not approaching was Polwhele and King. By of Church defender antiquarian and staunch tion as a poet, The Idylls, Epigrams, Epigrams, of The Idylls, – his translation enduring one of his most works completed ( of Theocritus, with the Elegies of Tyrtaeus Bion, and Moschus, and Fragments er, translator, satirist,memoirist, man, enthusiastic club antiquarian, county and translator, er, one thing, for today theis known literary historian, Polwhele historian. To ( Females Unsex’d 1 shared his interest in creating a mythic past for the South West; others, such as such others, the South for West; past a mythic in creating his interest shared antiquarianism; others passion for his shared John Swete, his near-neighbour in didactic poetry the shared interest Downman, as the Hugh such doctor still, in his The Artthat ( evidenced was of Eloquence eter Society of Gentlemen, which met from from of Gentlemen, met which Society eter In obvious ways, Scott needs little introduction, though it should be remembered be remembered it should though little needs introduction, Scott ways, In obvious a literary of at the but a man career, outset thethis ‘Wizard is not of the North’, of the certain. Last Min- had started from The Lay He far the was success of which strel Some, such as Richard Hole, author Arthur of Hole, or the North ( Enchantment as Richard Some, such regarded the Minstrelsy Reviewa somewhat as thatregarded The Monthly noted has recently would we gentlemenwhat as by provincial effort, the type ‘produced pretentious publishing’. vanity call young gentleman of Truro School’ was published (and critically was the panned) School’ year gentleman of Truro young shape of a birthday in poem, the unlikely his first though he started at Oxford, - had been pub Ode in honour of the historian Catherine republican Macaulay, others in lished with five on the Exe estuary, where he socialised amongst the county set and local literati, and local literati, the he socialised amongst county set where estuary, on the Exe as ‘the spirits to choice Simcoe referred of the West’. John Graves General what was something of a darling of the literary Right, something that would have only only have of the that something of a darling literary would something Right, was Scott. for his allure increased That said, his career and interests stretched far beyond this invective. His poetic His poetic this invective. beyond far stretched and interests That said, his career the of Cornelius under the Cardew, encouragement precociously began career family Pindar’ and John ‘Peter School Wolcot, Grammar of Truro headmaster ( of Lewellyn volume, The Fate His first friend Polwhele. to and mentor

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- 21 1 5), a 1 6) are 6) are 8 1 1 8 Indeed, 1 20 to go to the to go to - Attach Local He also had He 19 History of Devonshire 807; 7 vols 1 793), 803– 1 1 796), and his ‘Ode on the River Colly’ Colly’ on the796), and his ‘Ode River 1 786)- poems as The Influence of Lo such and in 1 9 Sonnets ( 1 790, published in 1

was perhaps Polwhele’s most significant Polwhele’smost perhaps was Attachment Local of Influence ( his History of Cornwall 806) and, in particular,

1

18 ( The Historical of Devonshire Views poetry, from Away Polwhele’s sustained interest in the landscape and history of Devon and and in the history landscape and interest of Devon Polwhele’s sustained This survey started by alluding to Polwhele’s political writings,This survey alluding to started by and it is im- Pictures from Nature in Nature from Pictures 17 793– 792). The 792). 1 1 ( ( all key documents in the historiography of the region. The first two are rather un- are two of the The first region. documents in the historiography all key disappointing at the time, but posterity somewhat considered has and were even been kinder: survey of writing the wide-ranging about the most describes area for their equal’ an efforts ‘magnificenthave studies’collective his ‘scarcely that time. what today might be called ‘presence in the field’, as his work was widely reviewed reviewed widely was work his as in the ‘presence called be field’, might today what The 33 of John Watkins’ individuals. Number like-minded by and recommended entitled, the‘On Social Literary and Biographical Moral, Essays, of Collection A Peeper: Polwhele’s Influence of Local Relation Attachment’ quoting and Domestic ends by our families, and its belief in theAttachment to ‘usefulness [of local attachment] virtues, of domestic country’. our and, on a wider scale, to in the exercise ted to theted to and sociable learning, ideals of polite then the Polwhele activities of it. and his friends were The years. 60 of nearly career a over in various itself ways manifested Cornwall Os- Macpherson’s by influenced (much of his youth and tragedy romance heroic ( Cotehele Isabel of his maturitysian) continued into as Fair such in poems ticularly in matters of doctrine. He attacked, amongst other things, other Methodism amongst of doctrine. in matters attacked, He ticularly contributor a stalwart the and was to published sermons(both and pamphlets), theespecially British press, Criticloyalist Review and Anti-Jacobin . , par Females The Unsex’d beyond went credentials thatportant his Tory note to Monthly Review for the Monthly profile enough high a enjoyed It work. poetic of accusing it of plagiarisingtrouble of Memory Samuel Rogers’ Pleasures (some- Scott’s to see, central shall as we and was, Polwhele) by denied thing strenuously key Hill Radcliffe has cited it as a David recently More Polwhele. for admiration the centu- late eighteenth through part of the Spenserian that evolved tradition ry. it goes so far as to recommend the purchase of a copy by all readers. readers. all by copy of a the recommend purchase to as far so goes it of a sentimental an explicitly in its promotion political poem, though ment is not patri scene it elucidates a conservative and native - home, family, to attachment in his Reflections on Edmund Burke by developed famously most discourse otic on the link in with ‘little‘the as its emphasis platoon’ first in France the Revolution our country to mankind’. and to a love towards proceed the series we which by Similarly Polwhele’s friend, the controversialist and antiquarian John Whitaker, and antiquarian John Whitaker, Polwhele’sfriend, Similarly the controversialist vehemently anti-Jacobin Britfor the a significant- reviews number of his devoted contributor) a major various to ish Critic he was of Polwhele’s- publica which (for further them established within have the must literary conservative tions, which six-volume heroic romance. But in poetry it also took more internalised But in poetry more it also took romance. forms, heroic six-volume in (writtencal Attachment 96473_romantik 2_.indd 107 19/12/13 09.30 23 794, in which 794, in which 1 ) and Reminiscences 1 83 1 5 December 1 5), they do represent an invaluable and an invaluable 5), theyrepresent do 1 8 1 2– 1 8 1 9 letters to Polwhele by Scott, even though Polwhele Polwhele though even Scott, by Polwhele to 9 letters 1 ( of Cornwall Sketches 826), Biographical 1 820 when it appears that Polwhele was writing on was Scott that to it appears 820 when Polwhele 836). While these can be rather repetitive and formless,and 836). While these repetitive can be rather 1 1 His connection with the Devonian Grandee Sir George Yonge Yonge George Sir Grandee withconnection His the Devonian 22 6 and 1 8 1 Such questions of staging are important in the Scott volume because it seems volume in the important are Scott of staging questions Such One further aspect of Polwhele’s career is worth touching upon, as it provides One further upon, as it provides is worth aspect of Polwhele’s career touching Literary as his friend John Nichols’s Literary or as comprehensive known as well not are of the EighteenthAnecdotes Century ( ( and Verse in Prose - publishing and political net of information about literary, source much-cited and activities during the works period. Polwhele During this phase in his career, of famous a range from the correspondence records he has enjoyed ostensibly He into these individuals. an insight to offer in order figures so famous and not connected a national literary figure well how also demonstrating is, of course, biographical of the literary, revealing that themselves are he had been in ways (as in the In these works of the day. and assumptions values and wider cultural this about is important what is less the activity degree volume), which to Scott the more and manner in reputation, his own succeeds in establishing Polwhele the attempt. he stages which of Scott’s the in his posses- in choosing letters selective was that Polwhele likely to editorial a man whose veered sion that so for instincts he published (unusually than more three letters reproduce does not He antiquarian comprehensiveness). one at letters and there between is a period some nine years of one year, any from desultoryhow theircorrespondence was, prove merely course, of This may, point. Correspondence Scott Catalogue of Walter Union but a comparison with the Millgate lists It only is instructive. the most immediate context for the volume of Scott’s letters under discussion under discussion of Scott’s the letters the immediate context volume for most his energies of most devoted Polwhele Duringhere. of his life, years the fifteen last Domestic, and Recollections: variously as Traditions appeared which his memoirs, to ( Clerical and Literary published 20. The discrepancy is probably on account of Scott’s first letter going letter on account of Scott’s first is probably published 20. The discrepancy end Polwhele Withinthere. do not his 20 but the differences party, via a third in the that Catalogue not are the, while publishes three letters Catalogue indexes In reproduce. to chose did not that Polwhele Polwhele to Scott by three letters facts is intriguing, of a body thethe most these first since it suggests some ways (and which scholarship to currently not known Polwhele to available of letters - Pol 24 by The catalogue also records been lost). letters have subsequently may with the pattern compared when a number of which, of known Scott, to whele in the years notable This is particularly reply. no obvious have Scott, from letters between Polwhele complains about the famous subscribers who have yet to pay up. pay to yet subscribers about the famous have who complains Polwhele being dedicated to King George III, and subscrib III, King George the- to being dedicated led to History of Devonshire Prime Chiefly by Gentlemen included William Pitt, Pitt’s Minister his Poems to ers Chatham and Pitt’sbrother (the successor as Prime William Grenville Minister it should Though Polwhele). of acquaintance an old Christlatter being Church one of the moment, this reasons is Polwhelean that, typically in a rather be noted on John Nichols to Polwhele from is the letter known establishment.

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There is some internal if similarly circumstantial evidence to the to existence evidence internal is some circumstantial There if similarly At the outset of theirthe friendshipAt outset in nature, their correspondence is scholarly ian effortsreputations. In and of the summer came about by chance, via a third party, and as a result of both men’s antiquar men’s of both and as a result party, via a third chance, came about by something approaching a regular basis – certainly regularly enough to have sug- have to enough – certainly basis a regular regularly approaching something some sort at least of reply. getting he was gested On of theseletters. missing reprinted by Polwhele). Perhaps most strikingly, there are (as we shall see) occa- shall (as we there are strikingly, most Perhaps reprinted Polwhele). by that of Polwhele’s circumstances an awareness demonstrates Scott sions where by maintained and established been intimacy thatof have must level at a hints the Of course, the thanmore by published letters. the subject matter represented to and it is impossible witnesses one side of this conversation, ever only reader with which But the to. matter-of-factness exactly is responding what Scott know he mentions things (often in passing things unconnected with the immediate - prob communication and knowledge, other does suggest context of the letter) be excan - of these each isolation, In circumstances nature. personal of a ably the convey they together, But taken ways. in a number of different plained away the is witnessing which of reader relationship expansive of a more impression what about be clear to is important case, it In any edited highlights. some only as a this body of letters in understanding at stake is not and what is at stake - estab in exercise thisreductive if a be was it would (as is not point The sample. on the with basis of his relationship Scott) lishing Polwhele’s purely importance a selection as merely slender body of evidence an inconveniently explain away to relationship. substantial a more vouching of work body substantial a more from is it primarily or supposing facts Nor about the out of undiscovered squirrelling sitting in the Scott from of letters the (though idea of a box of letters caches lost one). appealing is a rather this to day, undiscovered attic of a rectory in Cornwall, in of the ways consideration for Rather, as a selection allows seeing the volume liter of their correspondence stage the(and to network chooses Polwhele which what, of it and represent to he wishes how it testifies), which to ary exchange is himself unconscious. With Polwhele about which slip through might course, types of discuss the to different I am going this of this in the in mind, essay rest this friendshipmeans of knowing as a and thethe signifi is offered reader - letters the of literary British across culture understanding substantial a more cance for archipelago. and communal dimension’ of the ‘collaborative words, a part Fox’s of, in Adam eighteenth-centuryantiquarianism. lodging in the Tweedside village of Clovenford. One of the Cornishmen, Clem- of Clovenford. village lodging in the Tweedside a surname coincidence shared by with a Cornish place name in Sir ent Carlyon, at that was time preparing Scott , the for metrical romance text of which Tristram able to was Scott Carlyon, to the according and a manuscript press, of which, Fair Isabel Fair on a manuscript advice Polwhele (probably send offering is about to in theCatalogue indexed , (and is not reproduced is not ). This letter of Cotehele between contains nothing which 96473_romantik 2_.indd 109 19/12/13 09.30 - - - The 27 803. Polwhele appar 803. Polwhele 1 Scott moves his letter his letter moves Scott 28 of the second volume of theof volume second 11 803, and this eagerness to 1 September September 1 So, it is more than So, it is more possible that Scott 804. The delay was because, according to to because, according was The delay 804. 26 1 804, and Scott sent his first letter in person person in letter first his sent Scott and 804, 1 - and Scott’s compli relationship Polwhele But where 30 6 January6 1 802 the edition was set in type, though it would not be be not it would in type, though 802 the set edition was 1 25 So began the correspondence that would last, on and off, for a the on and off, So began correspondence last, that would 29

803, one could make a relatively strong case for saying Polwhele was per was Polwhele saying case for strong a relatively 803, one could make 1

, and by October October , and by . It has been about genesis of Sir Tristram This storywith fits the what is known 1 80 had a fair copy of the copy text withhad a fair him in September established that Scott started editing and preparing notes for the edition in early the started that editing and preparing in early edition for established Scott notes cates this model is in the dynamic nature of the power relations between the two the two between relations cates this of the is in the model nature power dynamic men. In less than two weeks later, on 27 January. This is perhaps indicative of who was the was of who indicative This is perhaps on 27 January. later, weeks less than two furtherthis at gives in time. On 27 moment of the details eager two Scott more particularone of theMalory’sof Thomas in point answered and poem, version the namely alleged Polwhele, outraged that have legend seemed to the Tristram of the him that the allusion’ Cornish. there ‘least reassures is not Scott cowardice he terms what in theto ‘ancient poems’. the of Cornish‘heresy’ cowardice available to the public until September the to public until September available ently did not reply until reply entlynot did 1 produce from his pocket. Scott wanted to know whether there was still a Cornish still there was whether know to wanted Scott his pocket. from produce of the thought text. Car Carlyon what generally, and, more port Carlyon, named lyon confessed his ignorance on matters Cornish, but suggested that Polwhele that Cornish, on matters his ignorance Polwhele but suggested confessed lyon on was at engaged that time Polwhele because specifically be approached, might Arthurian chapter matters to supplement a of way by John Sutherland, Scott was ‘nervous about his scholarship’ and eager to ‘reassure ‘reassure to ‘nervous and eager about his scholarship’ was John Sutherland, Scott antiquarian his friends his thesis’ convert and himself to about the provenance as it turnedof the poems (in vain out). reach out to scholars who may help corroborate his notes is also consistent with is also consistent his notes help corroborate may who scholars out to reach print. to Furthermore, of bringing of theSutherland’s view process Sir Tristram on via Carlyon, did writeScott Polwhele, to the History of Cornwall. to a close with the promise to answer any other questions Polwhele may have. have. may Polwhele questions other any with answer a close to theto promise Cornishtheof and evidence as traditions own his of more some poses also He - suggest by Polwhele compliments Scott Finally, places associated with Tristram. our northern fame ing that literary whose and poetical he is a man ‘to capital is no stranger’. , says Scott, has ‘no authority whatever, being merely the shadow the shadow being merely has ‘no authority Scott, , says whatever, Morte d’Arthur romances’. abridgement of prose of a shade, an awkward quarter of a century. In many ways it conforms Rosemary to description ways Sweet’s In many quarter of a century. correspondents: such the ‘free between of the content and function of exchanges of artefacts, manuscripts, the and books, performanceexchange of services (such and the opportunity exercise to identifying references) as making transcriptions, of and the and reputation assisted, credit the was which recipient by patronage enhanced.’ was the patron

forming the role of patron (and indeed being constructed in the role by Scott). (and indeed being constructedforming Scott). of patron the by in the role role description Sweet’s in from long. It also differs for that remain way not It would the strictly other antiquarian beyond itself into and broadens it which in theway of the in particularareas, book trade. the workings 0

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1 32

31 - accompa notes in fact are Polwhele to of Scott’s letters many in the clear colours genius, whose POLWHELE, Of poesy and philosophic art, of the heart, impulse the sweetest Traces spear, Muse, theScorn, envy-sharpen’d thy for desert shielded by when thrown, In darkness Breathes there with a man, soul so dead, himself hath to said, Who never land? native own—my This is my Whose heart hath ne’er withinburned him he hath turned As home his footsteps wanderingstrand on a foreign From Breathes there a spirit orb in this ample clime; fav’rite for no affection That owes passions ne’er as theSuch sordid absorb, time by hearts, unchill’d in gen’rous Glowing crime – a venial sophists! Is it – ye with of home scornful the love mirth? damp To sublime, scientific views led by Though, with the of earth, various realms search, range, — Ye birth? the of your region sigh no returning Seeks

In fact, the letters Polwhele chooses to print are almost entirely to do withdo to print entirely to almost chooses are Polwhele the letters fact, In 0, Scott writes enclosing a set of his three-volume edition of Anna Seward’s of Anna Seward’s edition his three-volume of writes0, Scott a set enclosing 1 8 the point of view of the negotiation and maintenance of friendshipthe of the based on point of view negotiation that it is worth this noting edition contained and admiration, mutual respect on his poem The Influence of Local Polwhele Richard the to Rev. ‘Sonnet Seward’s Attachment’: the business of literature. At the simplest level, the two men swapped books. books. men swapped the two level, the At simplest the business of literature. the (in with Scott which and historical works, poetic of his Scott sends Polwhele Indeed Scott pleased. well announces himself Polwhele) by reproduced letters ac- publically he would and Polwhele’s poetry, admired have to seemed genuinely passages of the one famous by most Polwhele’s verse to owed the debt knowledge the of the of the opening Last Minstrelof his own, sixth of The Lay : canto 1 At theAt time, same nying books he is sending his Cornish books friend. in July nying example, For Scott was happy to admit that this was inspired by the admit that by lines of the opening to this inspired happy first was was Scott : book of The Influence of Local Attachment poems (Seward, ‘the Swan of Lichfield’, had died in March had died in March ‘the of Lichfield’, Swan poems (Seward, one of 50 privately printed copies of an edition of his Don Roderick. On 96473_romantik 2_.indd 111 19/12/13 09.30 - 8 April 1 They met met They 35 38 33 Influence of Local Attachment 796 1 . Polwhele 0) in the Quarterly Review. Polwhele 1 8 This is happening to a rather head- a rather to This is happening 1 34 798. After this inauspicious conspicuously 1 The men were swapping books so the other could review them. so the books could review swapping other The men were 39 She seeks the lyric fane. To virtue dear theShe seeks To lyric fane. minds impart feeling esteeming, verse Thy tear. smile, theirTheir vital consecrating and judgment with eyes view gracious Fancy that tints, Its kindred paint the silent power emprize of high Of local objects, deeds spells restore their while delightful prompt; To of former joys, days vanish’d The precious a flower. with many enwreath’d or Fame, By Love,

808, Polwhele asks Scott to review his review to Scott asks 808, Polwhele also dutifully records the letters of thanks and the letters records also dutifully Polwhele’s Traditions Certainly, Polwhele’s correspondence with his friend Certainly, and bookseller 1 37 36

Of course, this exchange of material and at times explicit had an implicit thisOf course, exchange At a time when books remained, relatively speaking, expensive, the mainte- expensive, speaking, relatively remained, books a time when At 792, Polwhele wrote to Nichols with nine copies of the two-volume set of Po set with Nichols nine copies of the to two-volume wrote 792, Polwhele purpose beyond friendship gift-exchange and what Sweet terms the ‘reciprocity Sweet and what friendshippurposegift-exchange beyond of obligation’. (which would reach its fourth reach by edition would (which when Bligh was arrested and hauled before Polwhele (in his capacity as Justice of (in his capacity as Justice Polwhele arrested and hauled before was Bligh when surveying on in fact, was, Cornish snooping around Bligh beaches. for the Peace) in probably behalf of the Admiralty, 1 Sweet has suggested that the at the heart has suggested gift as such economy of relationships Sweet ‘by flattering since, parties the both ‘affirmationthistaste’, offered own of [their] learning a writer and discernment laying ‘indirectly was correspondent’, of his himself’. for approbation such to claim , one for Nichols and eight for a list list a for eight and Nichols for one , Cornwall and byems Gentlemen Devonshire of Erasmus William Cowper, William Hayley, of friends, Anna Seward, including Darwin. congratulation he received in response from these occa- individuals. On other from in response he received congratulation be sent to of his that is selling to Nichols of works copies is asking for sions, he and Lincoln. Auckland correspondents afield as Bishop as far Thus, in also wanted Scott to put in a good word for him as a potential contributor him as a potential with for word put in a good to Scott also wanted (and to attempt he is happy says Scott which of both the William Gifford, editor John Nichols provides evidence of the store he set by such things. such On by he set of the evidence store provides John Nichols start the men became friends of Cornish and Polwhele’s was extraction (Bligh three his of gifted that Polwhele Bligh It is known in the son was Navy). eldest - been recip have de Montluzin and books, to that speculates own thislikely is rocated.

spinning (indeed consequentially potentially nauseating) degree here, as Scott degree nauseating) as Scott here, potentially spinning (indeed consequentially a poem includes but which himself produced, he has something gifts Polwhele of Polwhele. partythird a by in praise the gifting through one’sof acquaintance of nance statements other made books ascribe might theone one’sindeed theand about to relationship value economic of Polwhele’s friend of other - feature been a have It seems to status. and social acquaintance. one such was fame) (of theships. William mutiny Bligh 2

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96473_romantik 2_.indd 112 11 journal for the study of romanticisms 3 19/12/13 09.30 11 Such com- Such 42 2 telling him 1 8 770 translation 1 1 That is as may be, That is as may 43 41 5 Polwhele sends Scott Scott sends 5 Polwhele 1 8 1 Nor, it should be said, was this was it should be said, all Nor, two years later). Equally, we we Equally, later). years Influence two 40 4). Such goings-on were an essential part an were goings-on 4). Such 1 8 1 0 ‘Northern Antiquities’ and suggests that Polwhele reviews it in 0 ‘Northern reviews that Polwhele Antiquities’ and suggests 2, Polwhele sent Scott with the sent Scott manuscript of his poem The De- 2, Polwhele 1 1 8 8 1 1

Illustrations of Northern An- as Illustrations published 0, the book that eventually was 1 8 1

In In early In early . This book was not his edition of Thomas Percy’s of Thomas Percy’s his edition the not Quarterly. This book was one-way traffic. Scott tells Polwhele he is going to send him something he calls something him send to going he is Polwhele tells Scott traffic. one-way of in a letter that even though he ‘liked the poetryof the ‘liked he though veryand much sentiment that much, even of Paul Henri Mallet’sof Paul that Northern some , but something appeared Antiquities the of Northern earlier from Antiquities later than as Illustrations this letter years four Romances and Scandinavian ( Teutonic was to be the first volume of a projected series. On two occasions, in series. occasions, of a projected volume On two be the to first was tiquities contribute. to writes Scott ask Polwhele to and December of thatOctober year, you which you thing by lying any have ‘if you puts it in his second letter, As Scott honoured.’ will be much we entrust this caravan, to motley would ments gloss Scott’s efforts to get Polwhele’s work published in Edinburgh. From From published in Edinburgh. work Polwhele’s Scott’sget ments gloss to efforts assume to would be easy that this it century, of the twenty-first the perspective their to Polwhele’sdimension to desire friendship obscure) (the now came from no dif- had that the Polwhele fact overlook be to this would be published. Yet, to publish his mate- willing major ones) (including ficulty in finding booksellers the itself. Indeed, Dictionary of Oxford or in Cornwall rial in London, Bath, Exeter, result of as a that has suffered Polwhele’s reputation suggests Biography National to found it harder Polwhele that had implying fluency of composition’, his ‘fatal be higher. might print into standing as a poet his way find his but what is clear is that the establishment of an Edinburgh outlet was not merely merely not was outlet is that is clear but what the of an Edinburgh establishment probably of expediency on Polwhele’s was part, initially and, at least, a question tell the do with stories to Scott’s The letters as much needs as those of Polwhele. Edinburgh, published in get to particular attempted poems thatof two Polwhele success. with mixed , one for Scott himself, and one for Francis Jef- Francis for and one himself, Scott for one , of Cotehele Isabel of Fair copies two . . . [his] hands put [it] into his friend to reassures fail ‘that Scott I will not frey. it with read attention.’ him to and request of the way in which the wheels of the book reviewing business were oiled, given given oiled, business were the of the in which wheels book reviewing of the way publishers. by issued routinely not copies were that review he was still asking Gifford about reviewing reviewing about Gifford asking still was he that in of acknowledgement Scott’s from letter know to see if Scott could find an Edinburgh publisher. This was This publisher. Edinburgh an find could Scott if see to serted Village-School Spenserian in forty-two of Oliver parody stanzas a long politically-motivated taking as its subject a then-currentGoldsmith William and - Shenstone, contro formfor the useful skills of education in teaching about the effective most versy the supporters of (between of the controversy The specific details classes. lower of education associated with methods Joseph different similar but subtly two Polwhele say to Suffice it this essay. detain Bell) need not and Andrew Lancaster contrary – reactionary of disagreeing the with characteristically takes – approach the of local and breaking on the grounds factions both that tend towards both on 29 February Polwhele to wrote Scott attachment. domestic 96473_romantik 2_.indd 113 19/12/13 09.30 - 48 4. 1 8 1 50 /2), in Edin- in /2), In breaking In breaking 1 46 77 1 Scott fears that ‘sus- fears Scott 44 4) ends on a bittersweet note: 4) ends on a bittersweet 1 8 1 By the same token, the following the following By thesame token, 47 2 doomed the2 withpoem though Ballantynes, 1 , Scott reports that, Scott the ‘will esteem Ballantynes Scott is confident that he will be able to provide is confident to provide that he will be able Scott 8 1 11 49 8 1 4, at the beginning of a period during- accord which, 1 8

1 The Minstrel; or, The ProgressThe ( Genius of Minstrel;The or, 45

Scott’s would-be patronage of Polwhele went beyond finding a home for his finding a home beyond went of Polwhele patronage Scott’s would-be Whatever might be made of this sharp it is certainly rather might evidence practice, Whatever Polwhele with he the necessaryPolwhele access the to archives contacts and introductions (dated 3 April but the letter needs in Edinburgh, finished manuscripts. In picion of authorship would probably attach’ to himself, and continues that himself, and to he attach’ probably authorshippicion of would reports thatpublish. Scott urge’ to he will be in Edinburgh Ballantyne will ‘not with, along he assumes, to convey answer definitive a withinthe get will week, But despite Scott’s and prediction, Cornwall. manuscript, to back the unwanted pub- did in fact Ballantyne relates, on the letter note as Polwhele’s matter-of-fact lish the Deserted that (albeit ended in success spring. Village-School If this attempt Polwhele’s awaiting the was fate happy less judgement), Scott’s better against Beattie’sof completion burgh at least. In December In December at least. burgh but I fear that without a residence of many months thisin that veryplace, without many of little residence fear a I but done; be could the pleasure as I should then have you, possible for think to thisand I should rejoice were other your whether But I doubt acquaintance. our epistolary personal into improve to making so great will permityour literary a sacrifice pursuits. your to avocations also’, he could not see the bookseller Ballantyne publishing this. According to to see the this. publishing Ballantyne bookseller he could not According also’, side or the one in this other had taken and ‘no debate all of Edinburgh Scott, bring to one will care forth at both.’ a poem that laughs the news to Polwhele, Scott was adamant that this retrenchment of the business adamant that was this retrenchment Scott Polwhele, the to news of the since ‘independent their minute refusal merit the last for was sole reason recom- to been sufficient have of the performance name alone would itself, your thing a publisher in Scotland.’ to mend any ing to Catherine writeing to planning to was a history they Jones, Scott of Scotland, - (at Pol undertaking venture discussed the some such possibility of Polwhele it appears). whele’s suggestion, - Pol publishing of the in, project with,of Scott’sinvestment and engagement in thethe pub- financial hardships however, Polwhele, for Unfortunately whele. of beyond) (and world lishing Moreover it has been identified by David Hill as one of sig- by David the more it has been identified Radcliffe Moreover to continue made this time. the poem around nificant attempts year, Scott was still encouraging Polwhele that ‘assuredly I will have the greatest I will have that ‘assuredly Polwhele encouraging still was Scott year, the it to booksellers.’ and recommending of yours, anything in reading pleasure it was eventually published by the well-known London firm in of Rivington the published by well-known eventually it was

themselves happy and proud to publish any thing of yours’, and that their slight thing yours’, of any publish to and proud happy themselves poem known that the well a of continuation a is it fact by prompted hesitation adver not should which titlea of Scott’s page by suggestion overcome been has the being ‘reserved for tise the poem as a continuation, with declarations such or introduction’. preface 4

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51 770s 787). 794). 1 1 1 777).Rack 735?– 1 1 778, Rack writes 1 . Polwhele rarely sold rarely . Polwhele 1 79 1 777, and a great encourager and a great encourager 777, 1 9 November 9 November 1 in Mentor’s Letters to Youth

780s while Polwhele was at Oxford. Evidence for their is relationship Evidence for at Oxford. was 780s Polwhele while 1

- in preserving surroundingnet and mechanisms Polwhele’s interest details was also a source of contacts and outlets for publications through the late publications through for of contacts and outlets also a source was reporting a fatal duel in Bathreporting ablaze with that a fatal gossip: has the town of literary talent (he even published his published literaryof even talent (he Other letters show evidence of Rack editing Polwhele’s poetry, but also of him of Rack evidence show Polwhele’s editing poetry, Other letters - Pol and comments to their back revisions and feeding others, passing it on to later his correspondence a slightly from reproduces Polwhele Similarly, whele. in Devon, Honiton MP for Yonge, his History with George Sir of Devon date over until under Pitt war for (and secretary of state governor colonial sometime I therefore wish thee immediately to write wish thee to and send me by immediately I therefore an elegy on the transaction sale. The city a rapid its having not and doubt it printed directly, the I will have coach; name. better Duel, or any Call it the theis struck Duellists, Fatal with a kind of horror. Scott’s references to the burdens of Polwhele’s clericalthe in duties to burdens domestic and Scott’sreferences this a poignant make all the moment, so because Polwhele Cornwall more West in his things of such mention anywhere otherwise makes himself very rarely discussed them friend. with his Scottish It is perhaps have he must Yet, work. Edinburgh. to go did ever that that there is no evidence say Polwhele needless to It can in part and dissemination is notable. publication be of patronage, works of antiquarian punctiliousness (and an antiquarianexplained by overestimation be), but it is also the case that might minutiae such it seems fascinating how just run in Polwhele’s deep of himself as a literary sense of some impor have figure to tance, a player within a national print culture. It is equally strong in the series within strong a national print of It is equally tance, a player culture. is pos- It volume. the the immediate context Scott for most thatmemoirs provide with relationship the agricultural Polwhele’searly of example, for read, to sible literary talent Edmund Rack sponsor of young reformer and keen ( Rackagriculturalan the was now secretaryis reformer (the what of founding also (he was Agricultural and man of letters of England Society) Bath West and secretary thetheof Rack founding Bath Society). Philosophical part was theof became part in Polwhele of which circle, Macaulay and early and early Yonge provided introductions, manuscripts, warnings, introductions, advice and indeed finan- provided Yonge that the secured leading the negotiations encompassed His role cial assistance. notes taking as such tasks mundane more and III HistoryGeorge to dedication a in the British Cornwall. Library to on Polwhele’s behalf and sending them down contrast in marked help, since it stood so pleased with was Yonge’s Polwhele gentry the duringto of some of the obstructiveness Devonian other the course As a con- local shenanigans. by be-devilled process, research fraught of a rather on the subject in a sonnet of this, he wrote sequence himself and his activities short, but even by his own high standards, this poem standards, high his own by himself and his activities short, but even conclusion: Miltonic startlingly a somewhat came to preserved in their correspondence. published On 96473_romantik 2_.indd 115 19/12/13 09.30

53 Distraught, Polwhele Polwhele Distraught, 54

52 782 his doings at Ox- relating 1 volume as a whole, had expressed her disapproval disapproval her expressed had whole, a as volume Whilst Yonge still prompts me to enlarge my views, my enlarge me to prompts still Yonge Whilst with sore And bids me no ignoble flight; . . . the proceed, SpiritShall not of Research And, spurning Envy the, grasp historic meed?

Devon and Cornwall Cornwall and Devon

Again Polwhele is here evoking a world of literary friendship and production a world evoking is here Polwhele Again These stories tend to date from Polwhele’s youth and relative pomp and seem and seem pomp and relative Polwhele’s youth date from These stories tend to ford. He recalls bumping into Erasmus Darwin on the stage back from Cornwall Cornwall from Darwin back on the Erasmus stage into bumping recalls He ford. destinations their as Bristol, where different as far together and their travelling shed’. a parting‘with reciprocally led to tears of their ways of a travesty of Shenstone it contained, ostensibly the work of one Major Edward Edward of one Major the work it contained, ostensibly of Shenstone of a travesty (on account of minor cause celebré one-time infantry a cashiered officer, Drewe, his court martial) and drinking friend Miss Seward’, of Polwhele’s: ‘had I told ‘that the ridicule the her indignation, has thus latter, which was confesses raised name my of claret, a bottle over the and myself, started by Major and pursued occurred friends.’ the in of her honoured list have perhaps, never, would I have read Miss Seward’s Letters with great satisfaction. With her scenes in general I am with With great satisfaction. Letters her scenes in general Miss Seward’s read I have of her characters. with many acquainted but I am well but little acquainted: and Ann More Hannah about poets anecdote a personal relate on to goes He complimentary while Seward, with and ends the a confession. note Yearsley, theabout This interest in the backstory to publications shades in its tone – if not its inten- its not if – thein tone its in shades publications backstory to interest This literary (though nature a furthertion – into of a broadly gossip preoccupation: it should be said that the of Catherine scandal marriage Macaulay’s and much The fact do surface memoirs). in his gossip personal and Truro-related Exeter but his above, noted poems was of Scott’s of his edition of Seward’s gift of a set that publish- intends Constable gossip the included trade letter accompanying the note from but it is clear matters, other to on goes in full. Scott ing her letters for an that the it is this, to letter attaches and the occasion it affords Polwhele him: that interests anecdote, Traditions and Recol - and content with his Traditions in method that by consistent conjured dating from in a long letter example lections, for

recalls fleeing to the house of Hannah More, whereupon she cheered him up by him up cheered she whereupon Hannah More, to fleeing the house of recalls that aloud a poem in manuscriptreading of his friend John Wolcot’s and mentor of picture vivid the remarkably a us offers This pocket. his in have to happened he literary of provincial of literary texts and thecirculation networks prepublication and involves gossipy if it is also rather even in theculture century, late eighteenth amount of name-dropping. heroic a quite of constructed an idea of coterie, albeit one carefully via the stress imperatives to - the vol from emerges narrative sad rather a authorship. contrast In professional - half of Pol second the anti-climactic rather date from which letters, ume of Scott 6

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96473_romantik 2_.indd 116 11 journal for the study of romanticisms 7 19/12/13 09.30 11 He was was He 55 October October 803 it was 803 it was 1 11 3, ‘your letter has letter 3, ‘your 1 8 1 5 Scott remained firm remained in his view 5 Scott 1 8 1 Again, in August in August Again, 58 Yet all that said, the sense of their inverse all that said, the sense of their inverse Yet (in connection with Polwhele’s attempt at with connection (in Polwhele’sattempt 56 2 he refers to a reproach on the point he has a reproach to 2 he refers 11 1 8 8 1 1 808 he is apologising for a delay on the grounds that a delay 808 he is apologising for 1 July July 1 6 November 6 November 1 That same letter makes it clear from the occasion of its writ from it clear - makes That same letter 57

829, in the last reply to Polwhele published, Scott is explaining in- his Scott published, Polwhele to the reply in 829, last 1 2 that he had never before seen ‘topographical labours conducted at once labours seen ‘topographical before 2 that he had never

1 8 1 Firstly, the list of increasingly baroque explanations called forth by Scott to to explanations called forth Scott by baroque the of increasingly list Firstly, 0, and Scott closes that same letter by telling Polwhele that ‘if you knew how how knew that ‘if you telling Polwhele by that closes same letter 0, and Scott 1 8 that the is ‘one of the Influence of Local Attachment poems of modern which times me pleasure’. the most has afforded received from Polwhele) and their relative, but significantly and their brief more relative, as Polwhele) nature from received of their on indicate the In dynamics relationship. changing time goes Polwhele who apparently took six months to reply, and who received an eager, eager, an received and who months six reply, took to apparently who Polwhele but severally Taken within ten days. Scott from response earnestand lengthy story tell their about a literary these own friendship details collectively, especially of considerable a narrative they suggest On their own, inequality. of increasing its sig- establish but it is also possible to interest, personal touching and rather furtherways. nificance in two difficulties of the practical dramatise effectively, in replying his delays excuse offer Indeed, Scott’s a distance. letters such maintaining a correspondence over that in a way a relationship such to of the list challenges comprehensive a pretty the efforts conscientious – or less busy – through of a more be obscured might correspondent. On 2 - with of the the litera antiquary accuracy and the of the elegance man of general reader the to general ‘interesting ture’ was that and reassuring thePolwhele work all name smoothed ‘Your theand essential to purpose historian’. of the English in Polwhele tells he difficulties’, continuing Beattie’s The Minstrel in ), while delighted with Polwhele’s work on Devon and Cornwall, telling him in Decem- him in telling and Cornwall, on Devon with Polwhele’swork delighted ber whele’s career. Throughout Scott is fulsome and remains genuine in his praise of praise in his genuine and remains is fulsome Scott Throughout whele’s career. Cornishhis of northerngreat is ‘a correspondent. master He lore’ on 1 seems of their the correspondence, At outset the is strong. exchange trajectories staunch, remain to appears Polwhele for Scott’s and while admiration two-way, - fa for become the requests the one-way more other, each theythe knew longer In vours. ability, despite enquiries to ‘find the means of aiding your very wish on your ‘find despite enquiries natural to means of aiding the ability, in the literary less interest far that ‘I have noting relatives’, young behalf of your it will imagine; but if I can be of service may you than to of Scotland you circles happy.’ me make much I admire your poem on Local Attachment, you would not have threatened have not would you poem on Local Attachment, your I admire much harp.’ own me with your so terrible down as that of laying a compliment ‘owing to my residence in London for these some months past, I did not receive receive these some months I did not for in London residence past, my to ‘owing Edinburgh.’ to return till my letter your had a most weary dance after me through the North of England, where I have weary the I have dance afterhad a most where North me through of England, ing that Polwhele has written in advance to ask whether Scott would like a copy a copy like would Scott has written ask whether to ing that Polwhele in advance ad- in shelves, my on [it] placing in happy most ‘be would (he works latest his of them send to just able than rather feeling works’) valuable other your to dition the delays to increasing references Scott’s apologetic Equally by. gone as in years (on in responding 96473_romantik 2_.indd 117 19/12/13 09.30 - 61 4, Scott had this to offer by way of way by had thisoffer to 4, Scott 1 8 1 60 4) 1 8 1

Generally speaking, it is clear that intermediar it is clear speaking, the of mail to direction Generally 59

62 There are other occasions when Scott’s occasions when other are embarrassment ex could summon There - The second point to be made about the narrative of declining fortunes and declining of themade about be to The second point narrative 5) 1 8 travagant flights of fancy, as he sought to acknowledge the potential hurtfulness the potential to acknowledge as he sought fancy, of flights travagant distraction: humorous through of so belated a reply ies acting on behalf of both men was a significant factor in both maintaining and maintaining in both a significantfactor was men on behalf of both ies acting correspondence. In delaying potentially an explanation of a delay in returning a manuscript to Polwhele, an explanation an a manuscript Polwhele, returning in to an explanationof a delay thein place of out be editorial not preface that something would thatlike reads novel: a Waverley to The reader is left to conclude that Scott would have been a less interesting, albeit been a less interesting, have would that is left conclude The reader Scott to correspondent, less frustrating, on time. had he replied Polwhele for Pol- about questions interesting is that it suggests offers thereputation volume locate literary - to reputa seeks he which in whele’stheand self-presentation way is of a piece with can only seen, the what volume have As we tion and substance. a man of as his credentials establish to as a concertedbe interpreted attempt 1 I have been a long and distant wanderer from home; and though I reached this cottage this cottage I reached home; and though from wanderer and distant been a long I have in posses- house at Castle Street, in my She was ‘Isabel’ yesterday. got I only ago, six weeks experience youthful from the perhaps dangers knowing sion of an old housekeeper; who, until my her with captives some other kept ladies on their travels, attend young which and jail delivery, made a general musical festival, attend a grand to town to going wife, (4 November of Cotehele. maiden the fair packets, but none so welcome sent among many, In the same letter, Scott offers an example of a practical difficulty that is difficultynothing that is of a practical an example offers Scott In the letter, same he ‘take[s] do with of a correspondentto nature the he says when disorganised origi was published, but which - of a poem I lately the a copy liberty send you to miles’. hundred so many form be transmitted to a cumbrous in rather nally I wrote to you in winter upon the subject of your curious and valuable MS. which I think which curious in winter upon the MS. your subject of and valuable you to I wrote its I will mention you, written; reach did not as that yet letter have you any to equal fully principal tomorrow. of the I will return consisting MS itself, which points, in the parcel some months in a situa- has been for poem, with own, some material of my papers Your one thein from hurry removal than secure for, accessible; more my attending rather tion furniturehay-loft;in a deposited was - and at the my bot house in the country another, to within of cheveux-de-frise a fenced arms,old heap of a of broad-swords, and tom helmets, and your papers own my containing all a small bureau, stood tables, and bed posts, chairs, and but myself, anyone to trust of thisbeautiful poem. I could not treasure-chest thekey and brought verses your I recovered when week, a little last matters arranged my got I only with me. (3 Aprilthem town to been rambling a good while; and, being disappointed in an intended visit to my my visit to in an intended and, being disappointed while; a good been rambling miscarried letters sent his a season, being for all my friend Morris at Rokeby, charge.’ 8

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96473_romantik 2_.indd 118 11 journal for the study of romanticisms 9 19/12/13 09.30 11 - - 834, Polwhele told his friend834, told Polwhele 1 ). Ostensibly, the subject is always the writer of the letter. Yet, Yet, the writer the subject is always of the letter. ). Ostensibly, 1 83 1

It seems that this is the main message to be taken from the volume. the volume. from thatseems It thisbe taken to is themessage main 63 775), as Polwhele himself makes clear in the of his Life clear advertisement to himself makes Polwhele as 775), 1

( is organised in sections according to theto phases in sections according Recollections is organised and Transactions So to conclude, what value does Scott’s correspondence with Polwhele have does Scott’s value what correspondence have conclude, withSo to Polwhele If Polwhele’s publication of Scott’s correspondence to is part urge of a larger John Whittaker ( letters at the outset of the nineteenth century through his memoirs. These trace theof century theat trace These nineteenth memoirs. his outset letters through correspondence with his voluminous figures reproducing by and career his life he partook in which in liter the and indicate the various kingdom across ways ary culture on the national stage (he was not alone in this, as friends,ary not was (he as the on such culture stage national the much same thing). In attempt William Hayley, (and erstwhile staging post for some of Scott’s correspondence to Polwhele) Da- of Scott’s some for correspondence Polwhele) post to staging (and erstwhile vies Gilbert of correspondence, that- it ap though he had collected 56 volumes the in the to Traditions end. In the that a fraction preface pears he published only and interesting that ‘clear his purpose says give is to and Recollections, Polwhele a the publication of their and transactions’ through letters, of characters views of Mr William and Writings Memoirs of the principle Life Mason’s from he adopts Gray tant people in order to ask them for a job, these works are triumphant, even if the triumphant, even are a job, these ask them to works for tant people in order failure. profound a more bespeaks those by requests provided evidence Kerrigan what of - understanding the secure thecalls histo more for ‘braided’ about something it says ries of the British straightforward, its most Isles? At In terms of what we might conventionally think of as achievement, the volume the volume think achievement, as of conventionally might termsIn we what of being from he goes as failure, not if of Polwhele’s a document decline, is rather for favours for embarrassing requests of authoritya source of vaguely source to This pattern he be- as memoirs, in his other is repeated and his family. himself - blatant in tapping up old friends more – includ and acquaintances comes ever theIndeed, thing only word. good a just turn, good a even or for – Grenville ing Polwhele as the of nature poignant requests, more modest than theincreasingly himself asking for from is the his ambition, he moves moment when scales down of Polwhele’s asking on behalf of his sons. But as documents of connectivity, to and print, impor of his access to of literature continued place within networks the Kenton, in curacy Oxford, at time Truro, in days (school life Polwhele’sown of that along withholding the its editorial living at Manaccan and so on), a feature about the point of the importance a broader recipient underlines commentary, if is the of even feature significantthis book Polwhele reading. are we in what and straightforward a more to offer confidence the lacks cultural he apparently tell can only It is as if Polwhele literary stature. unambiguous account of his own written of others him. to the words through the life storyof his own theim- fundamental shows it within his place the literary world, demonstrate portanceso crucial an importance connectedness, of that it trumped thefact that the this high. price connection was dignity personal to of demonstrating one was Polwhele volume, the to Scott it in the himself puts preface As Polwhele own judgment; confided in his but, strength—never trusted his own ‘never who or assistance for others up to looked invariably in all his literary productions, support’. 96473_romantik 2_.indd 119 19/12/13 09.30 - While never 64 65 5. Equally, for all for 5. Equally, 1 8 1 He seeks to balance the to seeks He 66 , the receipt , the of Cotehele Isabelle receipt certainly Fair almost 4 was 1 8 1 Polwhele and Scott’s relationship does nothing in itself to prove Duncan’s later Duncan’s prove and Scott’s in itself to does nothing relationship Polwhele dominate the that that ‘the would contention that in Edinburgh genres it was form’, their definitive acquired nineteenth-century literary marketplace theless the fact that a Cornish writer was doing (or attempting to do) the range thelessthat thedo) the to Cornish a range fact writer(or attempting doing was poetry writing both and topographical across of business he was, and within the an important was Edinburgh in which the ways does suggest of reviewing, world part print of a national that a culture axis of influence contained an culture, if it is thought and understood encapsulated be entirely that cannot and interest always This did not in terms London book trade. about merely of a centralised plan, as the to sad episode of Polwhele’s continuation of Beattie’s according go undermine this point here does not the central However Minstrel demonstrates. of authorship and print of- networks do withto the of intra-regional evidence on went that Indeed the and Polwhele’s relationship. Polwhele fact Scott by fered publish- national the genuinely demonstrates London in thatpublish to work them to and available outlets authors had multiple potential in which ing world else- through falling a venture for publish in London as a compensation might polarity be the to be assumed standard might what reverses only This not where. but also shows failure, metropolitan in for publication standing of provincial assumed. than and sophisticated previously that complex the more was situation pull of the lamented the has recently London metropolis’ ‘overwhelming Schürer with links that as a London stress literary endeavour of provincial in narratives of explaining the of that sophistication endeavour. way the interconnections and liaisons it was possible to establish in Romantic-era Romantic-era in establish to possible it was and liaisons the interconnections These of miles. hundreds many stretching Britain; networks and collaborations on intermediaries relied have and they been delicate, may have might networks their when particularly delays, to and prone infuriatinglyand been slow-moving periods considerable of been for have to appears as peripatetic as Scott was target the by and limited to ability haphazard been have might time. Communication all for Yet astray. entirely could go and it occasionally bulky packages, transport reached their eventually (or occasionally replacements) these vicissitudes, letters done; and business got to; responded eventually their were intended recipients; manuscript maintained. The Scott’s becalmed in communication was as hayloft described on 3 April the logistical challenges posed by moving books around in the post, what also in the what post, around books moving by posed the challenges logistical this publications to relationship. of swapping importance is the central emerges of printed social, but and manuscript movement merely materialSuch not was - testa a also are letters the part Ultimately, significantof transactions. business theto ment thatbusiness withdone done, and be could no particular reference in particular as a place where Edinburgh emerges theto London book trade. his throughout published particularno had who getting problems Polwhele, material of the example published. It is a vivid if modest get to sought career, truth observation recent visible as a ‘became Duncan’s that Edinburgh of Ian of century’. in the capital of Romanticism the nineteenth third first world of which Scott is belatedly acknowledging on 4 November on 4 November acknowledging belatedly is Scott of which

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Furthermore, the way in which Polwhele backs onto the stage via his corre the- onto stage backs Furthermore, Polwhele in which the way Yet, it is also important to reiterate the cor of the importance of such study reiterate to it is also important Yet, ‘skewed conclusions of scholarship’ that emphasises ‘metropolitan connections’ ‘metropolitan that of scholarship’ emphasises conclusions ‘skewed writers literarywhich in ‘could culture provincial withself-sustaining of vision a withoutbe successful the literary London market-place’. respondence as a counter-weight to the to that sort ends up revisionism of regional as a counter-weight respondence in the crude of the existence assertion An awareness of individual importance. assertion a reductive of his correspondence advance to does nothing with Scott that to of Polwhele’s a document return it is more given of Polwhele’s status, obscurity an ambiguous sense than it registers his rise of As such prominence. to as a literary figure. of Polwhele articulatespondence with does not worth a firm others we sense of individual as work at mindset the connective essentially demonstrates it best, At it. understand of literary and social identity firmly a notion embedded withinhere, a broader it does what cringe. Yet an element of cultural it suggests sociability; at worst, on Chandler’s an advance is offer ‘increasingly unambiguously more do much thein of literary British production’ intricatenetwork national decentralised and Isles during into the networks the an insight period Romantic because it offers distant geographically forming of dissemination, of opinion and influence across of articulating us with the of Britain. a way regions impor it provides As such, the writers place of regional tance of understanding within,their and contri- nineteenth-century on wire-drawn, bution to, rely literary that culture does not unacknowledged previously to claims unconvincing or otherwisetired, wearingly individual greatness. the evidence provided by his engagement with Scott, need not be seen in either need not with Scott, engagement his by the provided evidence the categories where one built upon publishing, as but rather of these exclusive propitious. most proved market 96473_romantik 2_.indd 121 19/12/13 09.30 - 4. 1 00, no. 4 1 996), 1 (Oxford: Oxford Oxford 830 (Oxford: 1 47. 1 ), (Oxford: Oxford Univer Oxford 707 (Oxford: 1 1 762 to762 2), 9. 1 1 603- 1 998), 249–50. 1 ( 1 5. 800: The Early Contributors800: The Early to the Anti-Jaocbin 1 1 73. 1 3), 4 798- 0), 1 1 1 9. 8. 1 1 - Ox (Oxford: 800: The Growth of the Associational World 1 580- 1 29–32. 982), 3 1 1 832), 84. 1 5 in Bibliography Studies 3’, 988), 1 1 8 1 33. 793- 1 1 ), 11 798), 324. 1 35. 1 , vol. 2 (London: John Nichols 2 (London: John Nichols , vol. and Recollections: Domestic, Clerical and Literary Traditions 0), 5. 997), 498. 1 826), 240. 1 1 986), 1 Notes Ibid., no pagination. Ibid., 5 Compass Literature and Cornwall’, The Case of Devon Romanticism: ‘Devolving Moore, Dafydd (2008). - Pal Country (Basingstoke: Romantic English and the West to Writers introduction Roe, Nicholas 20 grave, J. G. A. ‘The of British Limits and Divisions Pocock, Sub- History: of the Unknown In Search American Historicalject’, Review 87 ( , 2nd edition (Lon- and Literary Biographical Moral, Essays, A Collection of The Peeper: John Watkins, don: M. Allen, (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2008), 24. Press, University and Irish Oxford Scottish Pittock, G. H. RomanticismMurray (Oxford: (Cam- Romanticism English the and Celtic World CarruthersGerard and Alan ‘Introduction’, Rawes, 2003), Press, bridge: Cambridge University sity Press, 2009), 2, emphasis mine. 2009), 2, emphasis sity Press, Conversable Worlds: Literature, Contention, and Community Literature, Worlds: Jon Mee, Conversable David Hill Radcliffe, ‘Completing James Beattie’s The Minstrel Hill Radcliffe,’, ‘Completing David in Philology Studies in Topographical in the South Writing West’, of Topographical ‘The Development Brayshay, Mark Press, University Exeter (Exeter: , ed. M. Brayshay England in South West Writers Lorraine de Montluzin,Emily The Anti-Jacobins rer, ‘Jane Cave Winscom: Provincial Poetry and the Metropolitan Connection’, Connection’, and the Poetry Metropolitan Winscom: Provincial ‘Jane Cave ürer, Sch Norbert Journal 36, no. 3 (20 Eighteenth-Century for Studies , Scott to Sir Walter in The Edinburgh Companion Ina Ferris, ‘Scott’s and Book Culture’, Authorship 20 Press, University Edinburgh Robertsoned. Fiona (Edinburgh: Peter Clark, British Clark, Clubs and Societies Peter ‘“The as a Literary Center in the Athens Norwich of England”: Late Eighteenth Chandler, David 43, no. 2 (20 Eighteenth-Century Studies Century’, & Son, Archipelagic English: Literature, History and Politics History and Politics John Kerrigan, Literature, English: Archipelagic Letters of Sir Walter Scott addressed to the Rev R Polwhele; D Gilbert Esq; Francis Douce, esq, &c. &c. Douce, esq, &c. D Gilbert Esq; Francis to addressed the Rev R Polwhele; Scott Letters of Sir Walter Polwhele Vivian, ed. Richard Sir Hussey Memoir of Lieut. General by an Autobiographical Accompanied Son, and Nichols (London: John 20 Press, University , ed. Conor Cruise O’Brien- (London: Pen France in Reflections on the Revolution Edmund Burke, guin, Pleasures of the Imagination: English Culture in the Eighteenth of the Culture Imagination: English Pleasures Century (London: Harper John Brewer, Collins, (2003), 548–9. Emily de Montluzin, ‘Attributions of Authorship in The British of Authorship Critic during de Montluzin,Emily the ‘Attributions Editorial Re- gime of Robert Nares, (Basingstoke: Palgrave, 200 Palgrave, (Basingstoke: Nationality Scottish Pittock, G. H. Murray Review (London: Macmillan, ford University Press, 2000). Press, University ford

1 7 8 9 4 5 6 Polwhele, 2 3 0

2 3 4 7 20 8 9 6 1 1 1 1 1 1 11 1 1 1 1 22 5 2

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96473_romantik 2_.indd 122 1 journal for the study of romanticisms 19/12/13 09.30 23 1 0, 1 8 5), 66. 1 1 8 1 093/ 1 856), 62–4. 1 0. 995), 92. 1 1 X. 1 . 1 6 1 00002 838): doi: 1 1 . 805), 1 1 760– 6, no. 3 (2003), 22-26. doi. 8246X 1 1 1 2), 6 1 7/S00 1 0 1 0. 1 (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, Press, 830 (Cambridge: Cambridge University 1 3] Richard Polwhele ( Polwhele 3] Richard 695- 1 Oxford Dictionary of National Dictionary of National Oxford Cerny, P. Grant rev. 838)’, 1 1 0), 594; DOI: 0), 594; DOI: 1 760– 1 5 July 20 5 July 1 0. 1 3. 1 20. 1

798), 3. , 260. Traditions , 87.Traditions Fair Isabel of Cotehele, A Cornish Isabel of Cotehele, Romance, in Six Cantos (London: J. Cawthorn, Fair , Traditions 1 080/089576903095982 1 Antiquaries, 65. Antiquaries, 65. 4. 5. The Historical Journal 53 (20 800’. 1 1 0. 1 1

650- , 29. Scott Letters of Sir Walter Ibid., 25. Ibid., MS Eng.lett.c.36.f.74. MS Eng.lett.c.36.f.76–7. , 53–54. Scott Letters of Sir Walter org/ Antonia Forster, ‘Book Reviewing’, in The Cambridge History of the Book in Britain F. , ed. Michael ‘Book Reviewing’, Forster, Antonia 5, vol. L. Turner, Michael and J., S. Suarez, (Edinburgh: J. Ballantyne, J. Ballantyne, of the Last Minstrel The Lay (Edinburgh: Scott, Walter Unpublished Correspondence with Bodleian LibraryNichols, John MS Eng.lett.c.36.f.78–9. Unpublished the and Discovery of the British Isles, Networks, ‘Printed Research Questionnaires, Fox, Adam ref:odnb/22483. , 42. Scott Letters of Sir Walter , 38–9. Scott Letters of Sir Walter 538. James Beattie’s The MinstrelRadcliffe,’, ‘Completing 45. Ibid., 50. Ibid., , ed. Scott to Sir Walter in The Edinburgh Companion Catherine Jones, ‘History and Historiography’, 20 Press, University Edinburgh RobertsonFiona (Edinburgh: , 2nd edition (London: J. Home, 2nd edition (London: J. with The Influence of Local Attachment Respect to Polwhele, Richard Johnson, (Oxford: Blackwells, Blackwells, Scott: A Critical (Oxford: Biography of Walter The Life John Sutherland, , Scott Letters of Sir Walter Emily Lorraine de Montluzin, ‘“A Close Prisoner”: Polwhele’s Encounter with Captain Lorraine de Montluzin, Richard Emily ‘“A ANQ: A Quarterly Journal and Reviews of Short Articles, Notes Bligh’, vol.3 p.50 vol.3 ¸ vol. 2 (London: Whittaker & Co, Whittaker 2 (London: and Late¸ vol. Reflections Years Early Clement Carlyon, 1 Antiquaries: The Discovery of the Past in Eighteenth-Century Britain (London and Antiquaries: of thePast Rosemary The Discovery Sweet, 65. & London, 2004), Hambledon York: New , 3 volumes, ed. Sir Walter Scott, Edinburgh: Ballantyne, Ballantyne, Edinburgh: Scott, ed. Sir Walter , 3 volumes, of Anna Seward Works The Poetical (Oxford University Press, 2004); online edition, Jan 2008 [http://www.oxforddnb. online edition, Jan 2004); Press, University (Oxford Biography com/view/article/22483, accessed 2009), 643–4. , 34. Scott Letters of Sir Walter ( Richard ‘Polwhele, Courtney, P. W.

Polwhele, Polwhele,

1 1 1 Polwhele, 52 Polwhele, 53 54 Polwhele, Ibid., 28 Ibid., Polwhele, 40 Polwhele, 36 37 38 39 Sweet, 50 5 23 24 44 45 46 47 48 49 32 26 27 35 Sweet, 34 Sweet, 25 4 Ibid., 29 Ibid., 30 3 33 42 43 96473_romantik 2_.indd 123 19/12/13 09.30 ), 72. 11 5. 1 9. 1 Ibid., 427Ibid., and 428. Ibid., 72. Ibid., 2 Winscom’, ‘Jane Cave Schurer, , 28. Scott Letters of Sir Walter 66. Ibid., 85. Ibid., Ibid., 54. Ibid., 65–66. Ibid., v. Ibid., to Scottish in The Edinburgh Companion Romanticism’, Space and Enlightened Duncan, ‘Urban Ian 20 Press, University Edinburgh (Edinburgh: Romanticism Pittock , ed. Murray Ibid., 50. Ibid., 54–55. Ibid.,

1 67 65 66 55 56 57 58 Ibid., 62 63 64 59 60 6

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