767. Robert Southey to [John May], 27 March 1803
767. Robert Southey to [John May], 27 March 1803 *
My dear friend
This is the twelfth day since the date of your last letter, & I have day by day been expecting tidings from you, each day with more uneasiness than the last. [1]
We have had sickness at home meantime. this contagion [2] has reached us – I was somewhat severely attacked – our servant [3] – Tom – Edith & the child have all had their share – & we are all recovered or on the recovery. but it has seized an old Lady here whom for years I have loved as tho she had been of my own family – the mother of my friend Danvers – & she is hopelessly ill – there is no possibility of her recovery.
I shall fear to receive a letter from you – but do give me a line.
God bless you – & yours –
R Southey.
March 27. Sunday. 1803.
Notes
* Watermark: VG /1794
MS: Department of Rare Books, Special Collections and
Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester, Robert Southey Papers A.S727. ALS; 1p.
Unpublished. BACK
[1] John May’s son, Richard May, had died on 21 February 1803, aged 10 days, and his wife, Susanna Frances Livius (1767-1830) was seriously ill. BACK
