1432. Robert Southey to Thomas Southey, 22 March [1808] ⁠* 

My dear Tom

I have been looking very anxiously for the letter which came this morning – thank God you are out of bed! [1] 

By all means get well enough, & make ready to return with me. You ought to get thoroughly set up before you think of going to sea again, My Uncle will be at Bristol about the end of this week. He dines here Thursday. I leave London on Monday next, halt with John May, & if Mr T. Southey tells me, in reply to my letter, that he can receive me, I shall be with him the latter end of next week. You shall hear from me thence – I shall stay but one clear day there, the same at Crediton, – dine only & sleep at Pooles, & hurry on to Bristol, – for you may well suppose impatient I am to get home. – I foolishly neglected to write down what the books were which you wanted Longman to get bound for you. Let me know.

The Remains of HKW. [2]  have sold so well that the booksellers recollect no similar instance. Last night the publishers sent me 25£ as an acknowledgement for the advantage they were drawing; – handsome enough on their part, – & utterly unexpected on mine.

I am now going to see Thomas Grenvilles [3]  Spanish books, & to call at Lord Hollands with Wynn. It is eleven o clock – at four I dine in the city. – My business is nearly got thro, & that to my satisfaction. This is a mere meagre letter of information, written as dryly, as if it were telegraphed, – but I am still in hurry & must now be off –

God bless you

RS.

All well at Keswick – save that my daughter Edith has had a little attack of fever, but she is recovered. Your nephew runs about, begins to talk, & has left off swearing.

Tuesday 22. March