2675. Robert Southey to John May, 6 December 1815

2675. Robert Southey to John May, 6 December 1815 *
Keswick. Wednesday 6 Dec. 1815
My dear friend
You will be glad to hear that we arrived here safely this day, after a less uncomfortable journey than might have been apprehended from the season of the year; we found all well, God be thanked; – & Edith who complained a little the first day got better daily as we drew nearer home – she complains of head ache now, – but this is the natural effect of over excitement on seeing her brother & sisters [1] & her cousin, & displaying the treasures which we have brought for them
We reached Wordsworths yesterday evening about 7 o clock: Three hours more would have brought us home, but I preferred passing the night at his house, for had we proceeded we should have found the children in bed, & a return home under fortunate circumstances has something the character of a triumph, & requires day light. Never I believe was there seen a happier household than this when the chaise drew up to the door.
I find so many letters to answer that tomorrow will be fully employed in clearing them off. Remember us to Mrs May. The only thing I have to regret during our journey, is that Edith & your goddaughter were prevented from visiting Richmond. However I trust we shall meet all meet here the summer after next.
God bless you my dear friend
Yours most affectionately
Robert Southey.
Notes
* Endorsement: No. 184 1815/ Robert Southey/ Keswick 6th December/ recd. 9th do./ ansd.
11th Jany. 1816
MS: Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center, University of Texas,
Austin. ALS; 1p.
Previously published: Charles Ramos, The Letters of Robert Southey to John May: 1797–1838 (Austin, Texas,
1976), pp. 150–151; Charles Cuthbert Southey (ed.), Life and Correspondence of Robert Southey, 6 vols (London,
1849–1850), IV, pp. 140–141. BACK
[1] Bertha, Isabel and Kate Southey. BACK