2751. Robert Southey to Henry Herbert Southey, 8 April 1816

2751. Robert Southey to Henry Herbert Southey, 8 April 1816⁠* 

My dear Harry

Last night I wrote to Bedford in hope – all hope is now gone, except that as the nature of the disease is not understood a change is perhaps possible. [1]  Scambler [2]  thought the liver was the seat. Edmondson apprehends carditis. Blisters have been applied without effect, & copious motions produced, – one such to day as would have revived my heart had not the other symptoms all been aggravated. It is a sore affliction, – the heaviest that ever has befallen me, but I am resigned & in my habitual feelings respecting death & immortality I have a consolation beyond what words can express. Edith displays great fortitude. God bless you & give you the same support if you should ever be visited with the same sorrow.

RS.

Monday 8 April.


Notes

* Address: To/ Dr Southey/ Queen Anne Street/ Cavendish Square/ London
Stamped: KESWICK/ 298
Postmark: E/ 11 AP 11/ 1816
MS: Bodleian Library, MS Don. d. 3. ALS; 2p.
Unpublished. BACK

[1] Southey’s only son Herbert was gravely ill and died on 17 April 1816. BACK

[2] Richard Scambler (d. 1820), apothecary at Ambleside; he regularly attended the Wordsworth family. BACK

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