2240. Robert Southey to Grosvenor Charles Bedford, 7 April 1813 ⁠* 

Keswick. April 7. 1813.

Ecce divitiæ! [1]  – I think Grosvenor I see your astonishment at discovering the contents of the inclosed paper, from so poor a fellow as myself.

It is, as you will guess, the purchase money for Nelson, [2]  & Murray handsomely <enough> promises to double it when he prints a second edition. [3]  You know I am a stock holder to the amount of 100 3 per cents purchased in August last. The broker then employed was M^r. Benjamin Rickards, [4]  38 Cornhill, – I am acquainted with his family, & there may perhaps be some conveniences xx (as touching the receipt of dividends in future) – as well as some propriety in employing him again. Will you therefore, in such manner as may be best, & at such time as may be most to your own convenience, or least to your inconvenience, – transmit consign to him this check, & with it a sum subducted from my next pension [5]  receipts, sufficient to buy in 200. There will be about 15 £ wanting; at th & the half years interest due upon the former sum will be settled at the same time so as to leave a strait forward account in future, – or <it may be> left, as the x whichever is proper, which of course he will know. – But Grosvenor it seems to me that one of the Pithecusans [6]  is a broker, – & if so it may save you some trouble to do the business thro him. In that case be assured that the paramount consideration with me would be to give you as little trouble as possible.

Give me a line per return to say that you have received this.

I believe I shall not be able to leave this p home this spring. In that case my visit must be at the fall, – & peradventure I may travel to London with you on your return from hence.

Remember me xx most kindly to your father & mother. – And to the Mag-Rot: whom I hope to see with you.

God bless you

RS.