3473. Robert Southey to Grosvenor Charles Bedford, 27 April 1820⁠* 

Ludlow. 27 Apr. 1820

My dear G.

I have been unlucky as to time in my movements, – losing a day in setting off, for want of room in the stage, has sadly thrown me out. When I arrived at Llangedwin, [1] M^rs Wynn had just miscarried, & for four & twenty xxxxx <hours> was in considerable danger. My purpose was to have left that place on the Saturday, but getting there a day later than I intended owing to my first disappointment, & a second day later than my hopes because the time of the coaches & packets did not suit; – & then again losing the first days in anxiety I could not get away before Tuesday, nor reach Ludlow till the Wednesday. Here I wanted two clear days, – & behold there is no coach on the Saturday. So I must perforce travel on Sunday (there being no coach on the Monday also) – & on Monday, deo volante, [2]  I hope to xxx attack the Doxtors muffins at breakfast, after which operation you may look for me at the Chequers. Will you give to Osiris a twopenny note to tell him that he will see me on Monday & not the day before, as I told him yesterday, under a mistake.

I am in excellent quarters here, & if time were worth nothing should pass it very agreably.

God bless you

RS.