317. Robert Bloomfield to Samuel
Rogers, 26 June 1817*
June 26. 1817
To S. Rogers Esq.
Sir
My long stay in London has been unavoidable, having to wait
untill I could see my son's
probable chance with his competition at 'the Central National School' under Dr Bell. He is now there, but entirely
at my expence for perhaps a long time to come. I have procured him a Lodging to
my wish, and shall return to Bedfordshire as soon as possible, but this I cannot
do without giving you the following statement.
Some time since when dining with Sir E Brydges he offer'd me
the assistance of his purse, which I then declined, because he at the same time
gave me an order on the Bankers at Canterbury for £30 being money lodged then
for my benefit; but the reply from thence stated that said sum had already been
drawn by another hand and transmitted to Bury St Edm for my ultimate use. Thus disappointed I found my daily
expences in London bring me fast aground, and I venturd to state my case to my
good friend Mr park, that the want of
some such assistance would leave me miserably straightened, if not disable me
entirely from compleating what I have so happily begun for my Daughters and
Son's benefit, and consequently for my own. I think it impossible that the
wishes of my friends to do me good, can in any way be better accomplishd than in
thus providing for my children at the proper time of life for their exertions. I
ask'd Mr Parks advice, and you have
it in the enclosed letter.
Whatever may be the end of the susbscription, or of your more
immediate exertions, Sir, to serve me, I cannot hesitate to inform you that the
clothing my youngest
daughter, and the entire support of my Son in lodgings, still
call for what I cannot continue to give without thus soliciting and obtaining
something to keep the wheels going which I have put in motion. Forty of fifty
pounds out of whatever may be left in Clements Lane in my name, would enable me
to return to Bedfordshire with a tolerable grace, and give me the solid
satisfaction of having accomplished at least as much as I wish'd, and more than
I realy hop'd.
I am Sir, your most obedient servant
Rob Boomfield
I promise myself the honour of seeing you on Saturday morning at ten, if not
forbidden by letter before that time.
No 19 Daggets Court, Moor Fields.