799. Robert Southey to Thomas Southey, [21 June 1803]*

Dear Tom

Edward has just told me that it is settled between his Aunt & Uncle that he should go to sea. now tho he is somewhat too old – yet is this better than staying on shore for him. How do you suppose his mad Aunt has been disposing of him – she sent him down to visit a gentleman in Herefordshire¹ – whom he had never seen. where he staid seven weeks – & after that a fortnight at an Inn at Kington waiting for money to return for which after all he was obliged to apply to Dr Thomas. Zounds I could swear for pure anger & vexation. – damnation – but to the point – can you get the boy a Royal Reefers² birth – of course on board any ship but your own? if you can do it with as little loss of time as possible – & if you cannot – tell me. that I may try & bestir myself – but I suppose you will find no difficulty. Poor boy I am always angry with him, & then angry with myself for feeling so – & yet it is enough to anger me to see such a sad whelp – to know what abilities he has, & who was his mother – & yet to see such a lamentable & shameless coxcomb.

Your letters & mine always cross. your shoes & gaiters shall be sent as soon as Amadis³ is ready. tell me how to direct them.

I am vexed that you should be so idly at Spithead. however this war⁴ will last long enough – & you may yet be out in time for the first harvest of Spanish prizes. we are in a scrape & all Europe will be against us – Amen! So be it! & if Old England do not make them sore & sick of their envious enmity – . that shutting up the ports is an evil that affects themselves as well as us. the products of the East & West Indies are become part of the necessaries of life throughout Europe. if they shut their ports against us – we close them against all other commerce – & even if we did not – whence are they to get sugar, if not from England by some conveyance or other.

What do you think? Mr Tafis⁵ writes to say I may have Maes Gwyn & the outhouse by way of kitchen for ten pounds a year. I have just returned for answer that if Mr Williams⁶ will make it into a kitchen for me & accommodate me with the heavy furniture I will give him twenty – & at the twelvemonths end – if the situation suits me upon trial – take the furniture at a fair valuation. huzza! if I should have it after all!

I go to London on Sunday next with Danvers, where I shall stay not longer than a fortnight. direct to me with John Rickman Esq. St Stephen’s Court. New Palace Yard. Westminster. but you will probably write to me sooner respecting Edward. – Margery goes on well – she is a very different animal from what you left her & more alive & kicking than ever.

God bless you – yours in haste – R Southey.
Tuesday.

What is become of Grove?⁷ – Joe⁸ breakfasted at home this morning. he & Cupid⁹ both desire to be remembered.