271. Robert Southey to Grosvenor Charles Bedford, 12 November 1797 ⁠* 

Bath. Sunday 12. Nov. 97.

My dear Grosvenor

It was not till Friday night that we arrived here. ergo was it impossible that your letter could be sent before this days mail. the Coke [1]  has not yet reached me. enquire concerning it, for by a chance the one I ordered at Bristol was not sent, & will not be in consequence of the coming of this. send me word by what coach it was sent & on what day, & as speedily as possible.

On <the> Monday night I hope to arrive in town. thank you for the offer of house room — but knowing your unsettled state I have for some time had a previous engagement to be with John May in Bedford Square for a night or two. a man whom I believ[MS torn] I may venture to love, because I am as a our knowledge of each other grew slowly. the Tuesday morning after our arrival will be unpleasantly occupied in looking for lodgings — so that if you will meet me at Wynns rooms at 1/2 past three — you will save me a walk to Westminster. — or at Carlisles — which you will. I shall be very glad to see Carlisle.

in truth Bedford I have a more deep hatred for a London life than I <can> well express. I lose half the happiness of existence by it. shall I ever be settled where I can see from my window green fields & the setting sun?

God bless you. I could write largely to you — but this is all the paper I have — & it is Sunday.

Grosvenor do not estrange yourself so much from us when we return

Yrs affectionately

R Southey.