118. Robert Southey to Thomas Southey [brother], 31 December 1794 ⁠* 

Dear Tom

As soon as you can get your pay & discharge, come to Bristol. & go to Mr Lovells & he will get you a bed. my mother does not wish you to be seen at Bath, so you will pass thro immediately. if the coach stays a few minutes you may send a note, & she will come to you, or I if in Bath.

I say as soon as you can get yours pay, money being “the one thing needful.” [1] 

you will direct your things to be left till called for.

let us know when you can come, when you send your things & where they put up.

it is probable we shall settle on the coast of Caernarvonshire or Merioneth in North Wales. if so you will either go there to chuse a spot with Burnett or to Cambridge with me & Coleridge.

my mother wishes you to rub your chilblains (if not broken) with spirits of wine.

your bedding will be useful.

farewell. I have long delayed writing till I had something to communicate. this is a short letter but not a disagreable one.

God bless you.

your affectionate brother

Robert Southey.

Wednesday. Dec 31. 1794.

your letter only arrived last night.