833. Robert Southey to Charles Watkin Williams Wynn, [2 September 1803]*

We took a more inland route than I had purposed for the sake of resting a few days half way with Miss Barker – a help the more needful as Edith had a very severe attack of fever before we departed. this leads me unluckily out of the line of Chester.

I will write on our arrival at Keswick. my spirits have received a stunning blow – & tho I can now be chearful God only knows when I shall again be happy.

This song is not mine. I send it because it pleases me very much, tune & all. I am to say that the music is incorrectly written but may easily be made out. I should like to hear Mrs Hughes¹ sing it. her manner & voice have left so vivid an impression in my mind that I swear I am musical by nature

God bless you. R S.

Friday. Congreve. Staffordshire

We move tomorrow