1638. Robert Southey to Grosvenor Charles Bedford, 28 May 1809*

My dear Grosvenor

The half-notes are arrived.¹ – Since last you heard from me I have lost one of my children, – Emma, – just sixteen months old, & as sweet a child as ever eye beheld. – An anomalous disease more resembling cholera morbus than any thing else, carried her off after a very short illness. – It will be long before Edith recovers from the shock.

I am sorry to hear your eyes are ailing, – experience having taught me that of all ailments these are the most depressing –

God bless you RS

May 28. 1809.