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Memoir of Francis Hodgson
Augusta Leigh to Francis Hodgson, 25 June 1824
INTRODUCTION & INDEXES
DOCUMENT INFORMATION
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Preface
Vol. 1 Contents
Chapter I.
Chapter II. 1794-1807.
Chapter III. 1807-1808.
Chapter IV. 1808.
Chapter V. 1808-1809.
Chapter VI. 1810.
Chapter VII. 1811.
Chapter VIII. 1811.
Chapter IX. 1811.
Chapter X. 1811-12.
Chapter XI. 1812.
Chapter XII. 1812-13.
Chapter XIII. 1813-14.
Vol. 2 Contents
Chapter XIV. 1815-16.
Chapter XV. 1816-18.
Chapter XVI. 1815-22.
Chapter XVII. 1820.
Chapter XVIII. 1824-27.
Chapter XIX. 1827-1830
Chapter XX. 1830-36.
Chapter XXI. 1837-40.
Chapter XXII. 1840-47.
Chapter XXIII. 1840-52.
Index
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St. James’s Palace: June 25, 1824.

I feel quite provoked with myself, dear Mr. Hodgson, for my unpardonable silence towards you; but you
142 MEMOIR OF REV. F. HODGSON.
are always so indulgent towards me that I think you will only attribute it to the real cause. I cannot describe the numerous worries I have had, and I have constantly delayed writing, thinking I might have certainties to communicate instead of uncertainties, upon subjects which I am sure, as connected with the particular one, cannot but be interesting to you. It is high time to answer your letter, however, particularly upon two points. That of your wishes, which I can truly say are mine—on the first, regarding his dear memory, you have only to suggest to me what you think would be best—we can consult together: and for the second, which concerns me and mine so immediately, believe me, dear Mr. H., most grateful, and the more gratified from the source of such a wish on your part.1 The time will come, I hope, when it may be fulfilled. You have probably heard a rumour that my poor dear B. has provided for me and my family. In the first instance it was supposed (though I cannot exactly discover upon what grounds) that there was a will at Genoa, and immediate steps were taken by Mr. Kinnaird to have a legal copy sent home. But after the most careful and repeated

1 Hodgson was anxious to take one of Mrs. Leigh’s sons as a pupil—a desire which was subsequently fulfilled.

BYRON’S LAST WILL.143
 search, none can be found. It remains, therefore, to be seen whether any will be forthcoming among the papers coming from Greece, and which with the dear Remains may be expected the beginning of July. Everybody, except myself, is persuaded there is no will but that here, which is in my favour and that of my children, and of which I was told, at the time it was made, by Lady Byron; and it is satisfactory to me to have her letter by me, in which she kindly expressed her gladness at it, and that she thought it a very just measure. It is a very painful subject for me to touch upon, but total silence to such a friend as you would be impossible. You shall hear from me when the last mournful arrival takes place—and how I dread it! Mr. Hobhouse told me yesterday he had received further accounts of the last days from a Mr. Trelawney, of whom I had never heard, but it appears that he had been in habits of intimacy for some years. He arrived at Missolonghi a day too late to see our dearest B. alive. I have not yet seen the letter, but am promised it, and will let you see all that will be interesting. It is a comfort to know that he expressed a wish to be brought to England, as we had decided upon it. He appears to have been lost for want of proper advice; but,
144 MEMOIR OF REV. F. HODGSON.
on the other hand, it was ascertained that had life been spared now, it could not have been of long continuance, for the liver was so small it was only wonderful he had existed so long. If one could but hope the mind was prepared for the awful change! I trust in the mercy of Heaven that such was the case. Poor dear B.! It appears to me a dream that he is indeed lost to me for ever in this world.

Saturday.

I have seen Mr. Hobhouse this morning, and he read to me parts of Mr. Trelawney’s letter. It appears, as from Fletcher, that poor dear B. was aware of his situation on the 17th or 18th (he expired on the 19th), and was most anxious to give Fletcher directions which, though his lips moved, his tongue could not articulate. I hope his sufferings were not very acute. Mr. Trelawney observes that before he had left Italy he had become restless and unhappy, dissatisfied with everything, and ailing and sickly to a great degree. It has long been impossible to know what to wish for him in this world, and for my own part I have lived in a state of incessant anxiety about him. If I could but think he was now happy! But I hope and trust in the wisdom and mercy of the Almighty.
WESTMINSTER OR NEWSTEAD?145
 When you have a moment write to me, dear Mr. H., and believe me ever affectionately and gratefully yours,

A. L.

I believe the Remains will be deposited in Westminster Abbey; at least it seems the wish of his friends. Lady B. will not express any, and under these circumstances I don’t wish to mention mine, which was for our own family vault. I believe there has been nothing found by way of poetry of his composition except some lines 1 written upon his last birthday, which are said to be very beautiful.