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.