673. Robert Southey to John May, 22 April 1802
673. Robert Southey to John May, 22 April 1802 *
London. 22 April. 1802.
My dear friend
It appears to me that the application to Mr Martineau [1] will come with more propriety from you than from me, as every thing relating to Harry has been transacted with you. Wm Taylor will doubtless be returned to Paris before Henry can get there – for we must recollect that the formalities of obtaining the passport are the work of some days.
I should have written to you but was in hope of seeing you either Tuesday last or yesterday, – to have communicated unpleasant intelligence. poor Thomas is dead. I was so informed on Sunday last. you know how lately he was in town. he told me there was 100£ of my Uncles in his hand to be appropria[MS torn] mothers use – I believe I told you this – fifty were had settled were [MS torn] been remitted you for Harrys infirmary fee – the other I was daily expecting for the freight & duties of my Uncles goods at Bristol & the discharge of my Mothers bills there. poor fellow – he was so entirely manager of my Uncles affairs that I should think his death would be very likely to influence his determination to return.
We shall soon leave London. Edith was so much better during the few days of her visit to Cheshunt [2] that it has quickened my resolution. I think in about three weeks to move for Bristol, & remain there till it is time to visit Ireland. about my own prospects I will talk to you when we meet.
my respects to Mrs May –
yrs affectionately
Robert Southey.
Notes
* Address: To/ John May Esqr/ Richmond Green/ Surry
Postmark: 7
o’Clock/ 22. AP/ 1802 NT
Watermark: F & P/ 1801
Endorsement: No. 65. 1802/ Robert Southey/ London 22d
April/ recd. 23 do/ ansd. personally
MS: Harry Ransom Humanities
Research Center, University of Texas, Austin. ALS; 2p.
Previously published: Charles Ramos, The Letters of Robert Southey to John
May: 1797–1838 (Austin, Texas, 1976), p. 64. BACK
