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

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.