832. Robert Southey to Thomas Southey, 29 August [1803]*

Dear Tom

If my last could have left any suspense upon your mind as to the event, I would sooner have written to tell you that all is over & poor Margaret in heaven. Edith has had an attack of fever since. she is barely enough recovered to travel & wet set off today. I have forced myself to great & unremitting exertions but the blow has gone to my very heart, & made me often think those the happiest who have none but themselves to care for.

Joe¹ is left with Biss.² the home of his own chusing. he is however reclaimable whenever you wish to have him, & you know he is a favourite there & will be well used. John Morgan & his wife have been uncommonly kind in their attention to us. they have got a home for the cat. Hort³ houses my lumber at the Red Lodge whither he is removed. it is a dreary packing up. the worst I ever had yet.

We rest a day half way with Miss Barker. You shall hear from me on my arrival. direct Keswick. Cumberland. Would that the journey were over – would that the winter were over. I was never so overset before – never saw so little hope before me. yet Tom I am like the Boiling Well,⁴ which however agitated at bottom the surface is calm.

If you could get for me a set of the Irish edition of Henrys History of England⁵ I should be glad. it is in six octavo volumes, & the English in 12 – so that you save almost half. You might keep it till we come near enough to have it sent to me.

My next shall be in better spirit, this place & every thing about it is haunted. I cannot escape the recollection & the very image of her.

God bless you – RS.
Monday Aug. 29.