286. Robert Bloomfield to Hannah Bloomfield, 21 March 1814* 

Daggets Court. March 21. 1814

Quarter after Six Night

My dear Hannah

I write this one letter instead of five which I had intended, and the following will give you a sufficient reason for my present failure. I have had a Cold of such a kind as deserves a patent for its oddity. On Thursday last I sat for an hour waiting for Swan, in a cold printing Office, untill I felt uncomfortable, and then got a good dinner as usual, for I have eaten Turkey fashion, by force, since I have been in Town. I felt my throat husky at night and the next day at dinner, but nothing more than common in such cases, but about 4, when preparing to go to Mr Rogers's party, I felt the approach of somthing extraordinary, and before six had compleatly lost my voice. Coughing produced instant sickness, and I could only breathe by opening my mouth. my nose, for this purpose, was nothing but a 'make belief.' This state of almost suffocation, soon produced head-ache, and all its consequent blessed attendants, Thus, instead of making my Boo to my Lord, I had early recourse to a warming pan, hot grewel, and flannel. You would immagine, as I did that an attack of this kind could not last long without change. In the morning it assumed the appearance of a common bad cold and has now very nearly subsided. I was thus robd of saturday, and confind yesterday. I went to bed well last night trying to outwit Crosby kept me awake till 5 this morning.

I have to day left some papers for perusal at Longman's, who are more moderate in their tone and must be the best judges, for they are on my side.

If any thing within the bounds of my possibility can wrest Giles from Crosby I will do it. He shall not vex my pretty little sleek, mouse-backd spirit for 14 years to come, rest assured of that.

I will write to Mr. Weston on Wednesday. Thank him for me. I am referd by Mr Lofft to Sir Samuel Romily for an opinion which he is confident will back his own. I will go to him tomorrow. All jogs tolarably well if I keep in health. God Bless you. John is waiting.

R. Bloomfield.