241. Robert Bloomfield to Joseph Blacket, 15 June
1809* Near ye Shepherd & Shepherdess, City Road, Jun 15, 1809 Sir I write a word with a strong sence of contrition for not having written before, as Mr Lackington sent me your Vollumn a fortnight ago. [1] The instant I read it I resolved to shake hands with you by
letter at least, and to thank you for a pleasure of no common sort. 'The Conflagration' is so truly full of fire that it allmost
burns ones fingers to read it. Saragossa is a noble poem. You have got the right pig by the ear, go on; but choose your own themes, and let the master-tint of your mind have full play. I fear from your own hints
in the work that you are not healthy. this makes the last page the more afflicting. I have much to say but will now only tender my
hearty good wishes and congratulations. And am sincerely your friend and Brother in Leather.
Robt Bloomfield
P.S. I have mentiond your book to Mr C Lofft, and shall send it. An acquaintance of mine feels as I do, and sends his respects. Address: Mr Joseph Blacket (Favour'd by Mr Marchant)
Notes* James Marshall and Marie-Louise Osborn Collection, Beinecke Rare
Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University, 17966. An abridgement of Bloomfield's letter, together with extracts from
Blacket's reply were printed in The Remains of Joseph Blacket; Consisting of Poems, Dramatic Sketches, The Times, An
Ode, and A Memoir of his Life by Mr. Pratt, 2 vols. (London, 1811), I, pp. lxi-lxii. BACK [1] Specimens of the Poetry of Joseph Blacket: with an Account of his Life, and some Introductory
Observations, by Mr. Pratt (London, 1809). BACK |
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