817. Robert Southey to Thomas Southey, 5 August [1803]*

Dear Tom

I think you should send Edward on board the first ship that will take him. but if you have the choice of two – why perhaps the brig is best on account of prize money. yet a midshipmans prize money can be but trifling & as you say there is a risqué in sickening him. Rickman has applied for a frigate in the North Seas – the Immortalité Capt Owen.¹ the success of this application is very uncertain – & he must take the first appointment. On the whole I should wish him with Grove.² you however must be the best judge.

I write thus briefly because you desire an immediate answer & there should be no delay. when next you write tell me how many you are yet short of complement. a haul of twelve in one day was a fine chance. I am as vexed at your delay as you – yet the war will be long enough & you will make a fortune yet.

Margery is but poorly. teething. I told you in my last that I had written about Amadis³ – probably you may have heard of it by this time –

God bless you R S.
Friday Aug. 5.