113. Robert Southey and Margaret Southey to Thomas Southey [brother], 6 November [1794]

113. Robert Southey and Margaret Southey to Thomas Southey [brother], 6 November [1794] *
[section by Margaret Southey begins]
My Dear Child
I received your last the day after you wrote it and should have answered it before could I have said any thing to the purpose Robert was then in Bristol and I was in hopes he would have had some money if so he would have sent you some — how ever I must let you draw on me for 2 or 3 Guineas more then that I cannot answer I wish I could but I am my self much embarased — I suppose you got your Brs last letter in which he told you of his departure from your aunts all to gather it is a fine kettle of fish I have got Hary Harry at home now she is as you may suppose very angry — I wish we were all safe in America for I am heartily tired of my present situation — My House [1] is tolerable full at present but I shall soon lose part of them — your letter distresst me very much was I in a situation you should not want money but you know how I am embarased R is now with me and is hurt it is not in his power to do something for you —
you will not Exceed 3 Guineas and let it be at seven days sight I hope this will Come in time for you to get your things washed — your aunt Mary has been with me near a fortnight she is looking out for a situation — let me hear from you as soon as you get this — your aunt M and Peggy join with me in Love
yours affectionately
M Southey
Bath Novbr ye 6th
[section by Margaret Southey ends]
Would we were in America! we shall form a most delectable society!
poor Shad leads a fine time in the Green. I am a great monster a bad man & an ugly Christian there. Tom I feel the full conviction of rectitude & pity those who execrate me.
Dear Tom — I am unable to send you any cash yet. am in hopes ere long.
Hardy [2] has been tried for high treason — his trial lasted eight days & he was acquitted.
our American <scheme> goes on right well. Burnett is with me & sends fraternity.
[MS torn]ald [3] Holcroft & Godwin [4] the three first [MS torn]n in England perhaps in the world highly approve our plan.
I am writing a tragedy on my Uncle Wat Tyler [5] who knockd out a tax gatherers brains & then rose in rebellion.
our toast to day was
May there never be wanting a Wat Tyler whilst there is a Tax gatherer.
Fare thee well.
Notes
* Address: [in Margaret Southey’s hand] Mr Southey/ Aquilon
Frigate/ Torbay/ post paid
Stamped: BATH
MS: British Library, Add MS 47890. AL; 4p.
Previously published: Kenneth Curry (ed.),
New Letters of Robert Southey, 2 vols (London and New York, 1965), I, pp. 85–86 [in part; Southey’s
section only reproduced]. BACK
[1] Margaret Southey ran a boarding house at 8 Westgate Buildings, Bath. BACK
[4] Thomas Holcroft (1745–1809; DNB) and William Godwin (1756–1836; DNB). Robert Lovell probably met one or both of them during his visit to London in autumn 1794. BACK