3222. Robert Southey to Henry Herbert Southey, 21 December 1818⁠* 

Keswick 21 Dec. 1818.

My dear Harry

I never open a letter from those who are near & dear to me without some degree of apprehension that its contents may it may bring ill tidings for myself I It is well that the child was so young, – that the illness was not protracted, – & that the loss is reparable. [1]  – Give my love to Louisa & to Mary Anne, [2]  & tell them that affliction is good for us when it leads us to look for consolation to the right source.

It would have been a great grief to me if this illness had proved fatal to Edward. It was when he was in the most winning age of childhood that I first saw him: & there is xx much of his father about him; – & I have given him a place in my heart which would not easily be filled again.

God bless you

RS.