32. Robert Bloomfield to George Bloomfield, 15 June 1800* 

London. Sunday, June 15^th 1800

Dear George

You must not expect a long epistle this time, I can only hallo to you, like a coachman; talk flying. I have been this morning with Sir C. Bunbury to his next door neighbours at Carlton House; carrying with me a large coppy of the poem. It was the intention of Sir C to have introduced me to the Prince of Wales; but we were desired to call again in an hour; we did so; but one of the brothers (I think) Prince Adolphus was with him; and afterwards Mr Tierney; so that, not being likely to be disengaged; Sir C proposed to leave the Book, which was done; and promised if the Prince should wish to see me, he (Sir C) would let me know, &c. I received Ten Guineas from the hand of my most zealous friend Sir C, which, with a handsome complimentary letter, came to his house for me, from H.R.H. the Duke of York. the letter I have now enclosed to Mr. Lofft; it will come back to your hand; send it to me again soon; don't deface it, &c. With regard to the copyright of the Farmer's Boy; I believe my Mother did not understand it; it was not Messrs. Vernor and Hood offer'd to buy it, it was another bookseller hinted about purchasing it of me and them, but the measure was overruled, and I am glad of it, as you will see by the enclosed letter of Mr. Loffts. Send the enclosed to Mrs Phillips. The D of Grafton desird me by letter to wait on him on Wednesday night, to tell him 'what was doing to the second edition.' A Mr. Anesley and Mr. Harison member for Thetford, were present, and each ordered 2 coppies; they were deliverd next day.

I supd with Mr Hood on Tuesday; he treated me with a sight of the Exhibition of paintings at Summersett House, in company with his wife and son on Wednesday afternoon; he has likewise promisd to settle with me for the first Edition next week. He gave me the 'Pleasures of Hope' and three handsome vols of 'Peter Pindar's works' (plenty of laughter). [1]  — I send 3 coppies of the poem, one for you, (show it to all friends) and one for Mr W. Austin, and the other for Mrs Mothersole. Mr Gedge calld on me, and insisted on giving me half a guinea. Nothing was said at the Ds about the Stamp Office.

Love to all — All well.

R Bloomfield.

In case you should find an hour to read Scotch, I send you my namesake Bob. [2]  Read the 'Vision' and the 'briggs of Ayr' the 'epistles to an Ald scotch Bard' in short, read what you like best, I don't want them. I have not read them all, but I wish you could, to be the Better judge Between us clodbred poets, and the dashing ones. —