3757. Robert Southey to Grosvenor Charles Bedford, 10 December 1821⁠* 

Keswick. 10 Dec. 1821

My dear Grosvenor

I must urge you to an act of unexpected trouble, – which will however discharge you of all farther trouble with my three per cents. [1]  It is to transfer the whole sum there standing in my name to John May, as soon as you & he can make arrangements to meet for transacting the business.

John May is one of my best, oldest & dearest friends. I have a long account with him, chiefly on the score of my Life Insurance, [2]  – xx he stands <in need> at this time (owing to the most culpable imprudence of a brother [3]  in Brazil) of all the money he can muster. And if those were thousands instead of hundreds, he should have them.

You would have been very intimate with him long ere this, if I had had means of bringing you together as often as I should have wishd to do. He will weather this storm at the cost of much anxiety, & much temporary inconvenience.

Give him a note to say you have received these instructions xxxxx from me. His address is 4. Tavistock Street. Bedford Square. – I am very sorry for the trouble which this gives you, & would take ten times as much to spare it you, – or requite you for it in kind.

And now to work for Gifford.

God bless you

RS.