293. Robert Bloomfield to Charles Bloomfield, 17 September 1814* 

White Hart Inn. Thetford

Sep 17. 1814

My good boy Charles

I all along intended to write to you on your Birthday, but could not bring it about, for on that morning Aunt Kitty and I walkd off to Thetford, through Euston park; dined at the Fox at Euston, and proceeded on over the sandhills to this town, where we were entertain'd by Mrs Broadbolt and her Sister, and yesterday, (Friday) we walkd off to Brandon, about 7 miles over Rabit-warrens, the most inhospitable, and desolate track of land I ever saw. Nothing but sand, flints, Fern, halfstarve'd Sheep, and flaming Sunshine. At Brandon we were entertain'd at the 5 Bells by the Widow Hervey, who has 5 Daughters. Brandon is famous for the best Gun flints in england, and the whole outskirts of the Town is coverd by Black flints, broken or whole, and the latter of a most enormous size. They give the place a strange uncomfortable look, and most of the Buildings are form'd of the same materials. We are just returnd hither by way of Sandy Downham, and have had some tea. Hannah will see this and if she has written to me, perhaps I may find it at Honington tomorrow,—I think of beeing at Troston early next week, and at Bury as soon as possible. Love to you All from your Affectionate friend and Father

Robt Bloomfield