621. Robert Southey to Grosvenor Charles Bedford, 29 October 1801*

Keswick.  Thursday. Oct. 29. 1801.

My dear Grosvenor

We get into the mail at Penrith on Saturday morning – & if utter inability on the part of Edith do not stop us – hope to arrive in 47 hours at London. I expect a line from you by todays or tomorrows post. – One of if you look for us about two o clock on Monday I trust we shall be to be found.

Then shall I be anchored till May or June next, & God knows how long it is since I have been six months in a place! – My lodgings must be as near Great George Street as they can be – so distance Grosvenor will not excuse you if you are our seldom visitor.

Did you see the Review of Thalaba in the British Critic?¹ it differs in opinion from your letter of praise. I wish I could ascertain what is very likely – that it is Herbert Crofts writing. the fact would be useful.

To weigh against my habitual, physical & moral hatred of London, I am throwing into the other scale all possible accidents of pleasure there & thereabouts among others is – an interview with Snivel.²

fare you well yrs affectionately R Southey.