269. Robert Bloomfield to Hannah Bloomfield, 2–3 September 1811*
Monday Evening. Sept 2d. 1811.
Mr Dear Girls,
Yours came to hand this day at noon, and this packet will come by Tuesday's Coach.
I know by a letter from Mr Lofft written on Friday that he expected you and wishd for you that evening, but I cannot tell but other visitors might be there, or other causes existing that render'd it inconvenient for them to have you sooner. We have had two charming evenings for the Moon, but it now looks rather cloudy. Yet I am glad you will now have a chance of observing it better than at home. I like all that portion of the letter which regards yourselves, Your time I should think cannot be dull, and as to the expense to me, that, you know, we calculated beforehand.—I have a letter from Miss C Sharp, who is just return'd from Gloucestershire, and this said letter enclosed a Five pound Note for my Brother's Widow! [1] It is the joint gift of the members of the family. I enclose it to you for her use, and if I was in her place I would say but little about it to the Farmers. As this must be an unlookd for present on the part of your Aunt, it is the more agreable task to send it. The other subject you allude to I will talk of when you come home.
I send you two pounds which you will use at your discretion, and if your stay should be protracted I can spare more if it be absolutely wanted.—
All my friends tell me that the Wye is very much liked by themselves and their circles. Mr Evans says it is the most finishd thing I have yet written &c. This is all sugar'd milk to me after my labour and miserable unhappiness. The first Edition is nearly gone.
You will find the Hampsted news enclosed and, I hope you, will have this befor you leave Troston. However write, when you can, or when you have any thing to say.
We are All well. The Wash is going on by postponement, Charles is watering Beans Robert playing with dirt, And the Cat asleep.
Yours Dear Girls, truly
Robt Bloomfield
Tuesday.
Last night Sally calld with a packet to go to her Father, and inform'd me that Bet Isaac was to bring a packet last night. I therefore waited, but she did not come. This will consequently come to Bury on wednesday.
We saw the eclipse tolarably well considering it was cloudy. And at this moment I guess that you are playing, singing, or walking the garden, or riding over the Heath. 11 O'clock.—