2257. Robert Southey to Grosvenor Charles Bedford, 16 May 1813 ⁠* 

London. May 16. 1813

My dear Grosvenor

Three weeks ago I wrote to John Ballantyne for £50. [1]  To day he writes me from London that he is in already in advance, – which is false, – for upon the completion of this volume now in the press about 175 £ will be due to me, – exclusive of the fifty which he has thus refused.

Of course this brings things to a crisis. I have written to his brother, who has the character of a man of honour, – shown him in what manner John B. shuffles, desired him to take back my share in the work, & likewise to look out for a writer who may succeed me in my department. – I have some little dependence upon the printers character, & rather more upon his connection with Scott; but lay my account with much plague & perhaps the loss of all that I have embarked in the concern.

Immediate embarrasment is the first consequence. If the money which I sent should by good luck still remain in your desk, send me half of it, & buy in one hundred instead of two. If it is gone, let me have upon the score of my pension [2]  what you can spare me towards that amount. – The present inconvenience I shall get over, – tho trouble will fall upon one who is not easily troubled vexed, – & I hope ultimately to be no loser by disposing of so much time & so much labour in another channel: but this time must show.

I am hard at work for Gifford, & hope he will be able to wait for me, – for this article now becomes essential to my ways & means. – Have you received Nelson? [3]  – Tell me how to direct to Herries, – that I may write to him about Tom. O dear Grosvenor how heart-breaking is this loss of naval-power! – This last action is perfectly unaccountable. The Peacock was a crack ship, her Captain as fine a fellow as any in the navy, – & the enemys superiority in guns a mere nothing. [4] 

Isabel has twice been ill with a bilious complaint within the last three week, – & this has made me more anxious & restless than you can well imagine. And Edith – poor Shedaw as I must call her by way of distinction suffers from Ascarides in a manner which is quite dreadful. – Perhaps there was never a worse case, – she has them, I have no doubt, in the bladder & intestines, – & how they are to be got rid of God knows

It is very long since I have heard from you. Remember me to your father & mother – I hope to see them in the fall may I not hope to see you sooner?

RS.