Shefford. Beds. Oct 4. 1814
To T. L. Baker Esq.
Dear Sir,
Some Genius, whether good or evil I cannot discover, has
contrived that you are not to find me at home when you honour me with a call. I
am realy vexd, and cannot hit on a better method of mitigating that vexation
than by stating, as far as a letter will go, what I have been about, and in what
state I find myself now.
I think you have heard of the Bankruptcy of my Bookseller, but you cannot be
supposed to enter with me into all the troubles consequent thereon.—I have
buried a Daughter who
possessd all that I could wish in sense and affection. My wife is a staunch diciple of
Johanna Southcott, [1] my four Children at home. The
eldest Boy, formerly
lame, is growing and healthy, and is making a rapid progress in Arithmatic.—My
youngest Boy is Seven
and a half, and likewise goes to school. My Eldest Girl is a woman in years,
and I hope, in all that may continue her my friend. The Youngest Girl is
thirteen, and is growing very fast.
If you calculate dates you will find that last March the Farmers
Boy had been publishd fourteen years; and consequently the Bookseller's half of
the Copyright reverted to me, and I spent some anxious weeks in London
endeavouring to procure from them a Sum for the continuation of their share for
fourteen years to come. I obtaind about half the sum which I suppose their
chance is worth.
After this, being much out of health, I went with a friend and neighbour to the Coast
for a few days; saw the Landing of Alexander at Dover, and came home with an increase of strength and
exhilaration. I was not long at home before my Suffolk affairs demanded my
attention and presence. A month has past since I joind with the Farmers and old
friends in my Native Vale, and while there I heard that Mr Baker had again calld, and found me rambling. The world has gone but moderately
with me for three years past. I have a thousand times thought of Uley vally, and of you and Mr Cooper, but always with somthing
very like dispair of ever seeing you again.
Since I have had this sheet in hand, Mrs Walker of this Town has
brought me news, it is not political I assure you, but it concerns me in some
measure, as one of your wellwishers, and if I dare make so free I would say 'And
so I find Queen Mab has been with you.'? but as I know too
little of Shakespear, and but little of the Lady, I can only wish you joy in the
common way, and declare that I am in earnest in my wish [2]
You would probably, if you saw me, enquire if my mind was still
running on new subjects for the Muse? I can give you little satisfaction on that
subject, but I somtimes dream that I shall one day venture again before the
public somthing in my old manner, some country tales, and spiced with love and
courtship might yet please, for Rural life by the art of Cooking may be made a
relishing and high flavourd dish, whaever it may be in reality.—
Pray give my best respects to the Seniors of your family, to the
Lady of your choice, and the Children, and if you still live near the good folks
of Ferney Hill, say that I am amongst
the living but sadly remiss in my tasks, for tasks they are, to write long
letters. Tell Miss C Cooper,
that instead of gliding down the Wye in the character of a Fairy, Time has
contrive'd that I should wear a Wig and write with Spectacles. With these double
eyes, and a heart that cannot loose its old impressions I Remain Dear Sir. Most
Respectfully
Your Humble Servt
Rob Bloomfield
Address: To Mr T. J. Baker Esq., / Stouts Hill, / Uley, / Gloucestershire