687. Robert Southey to Thomas Southey, 28 June 1802*

My dear Tom

I have this instant learnt that the Bellona¹ is in England – & am almost uneasy that there is yet no letter from you. have you ever heard from me – or do you not know the hateful intelligence with which I have begun letter after letter? your mothers death –

From whom think you did I learn your arrival? from your Uncle & namesake – who is on very gracious terms with me – & appears more friendly & kindlily disposed than you would at first suppose.

We have a furnished house the next door to Danvers – come as soon as you can – from henceforward I trust you will always find a home in England – I design to fix myself this autumn –

Dear Tom God bless you! Robert Southey.
Monday. 28 June. 1802.

Notes

Address: To/ Lieutenant Thomas Southey/ Bellona/ Portsmouth/ or elsewhere/ Single
Stamped: 122/ BRISTOL
Postmark: [partial] JUN 29
MS: British Library, Add MS 30927. ALS; 2p.
Unpublished. Back

1. HMS Bellona, a 74-gun ship of the line on which Tom Southey had served since early 1800. Back