271. Robert Bloomfield to the 4th Duke of Grafton, 7 September 1811*
London. Sep 7th. 1811
To
His Grace the Duke of Grafton.
My Lord Duke.
My Lord Having for some years past boasted, as well I might, a personal knowledge of your late honour'd Father, valuable to me as a Critick and a Friend, I beg your Grace's acceptance of a small Volume [1] which I once hope'd to present to my departed Patron, and to have recieved his candid remarks. I may have been remiss in being silent on the death of so good a friend; but the fear of appearing to intrude has been the true cause. Craving forgiveness for the liberty I am now taking, I have only to add, by your Grace's desire exprest in a letter to my early friend Capel Lofft Esq, that the Annual amount of the Gratuity I have recived is Fifteen Pounds.
I And am, most truly, your Grace's Very humble Servant
Robt Bloomfield
Shepherd &c————————