338. Robert Bloomfield to Charles Bloomfield, 11 July 1819* 

Shefford, July 11. 1819

My Dear Charles

My sight is so very bad that I canot promise myself to write you what I should call a letter, but a mere acknowledgement for yours of yesterday which had been expected with very great anxiety because we knew you to be awkwardly situated, and that it would require your whole stock of fortitude and experience to go through with it. I understand you have read that work of astonishing variety 'Gill Blas.' Now you may be either Gill, or Fabricious, or Scipio—but you will surely not have so many changes, or be tempted to change your situation so often. [1]  As to the present Putney concern it is evidenced that the subscribers and governers want to screw out of a new Master ten or twenty pounds which when divided would save each of them perhaps £2 per year or less / But now as to what we have to do with this beggarly spirit, is the point in hand.—You cannot go back to the Central it seems! On this I should say or surmise, that Johnson has already there some whom his interest prompts him to send before you; so much for that.—

I don't think you are right in sticking for £70, for this reason, = because with you it is £70 or nothing. Or at least you see you will have another plan to seek, though in this I by no means despair. I would by no means refuse £60 or even £55 (for a single man as you are,) and you see they are at their wits end to get one for more! But you are to understand this my advice on the supposition that you wish, or will, or can, put up with your Putney station for a time.—I shall not be surprised at any sudden dismissal on their part, or at any disgust on yours, only particularly remember that your friend Mr Moor is not to be treated with any thing but that love and respect which your own heart, (I hope) dictates already.

I wish I was nearer to you, but pocket the £30 and wait events as I do.—I make rhimes when I can, and am not in despair. I shall soon see you altogether in London for better or worse, and in the mean time be what you have been, sober and discreet, and I shall be your Anxious Father

Rob Bloomfield

When did you see Charlotte? We want to hear from her, perhaps she is very busy,? If not tell her to write.—

Your visit to Windsor must have been delightful I rode by it when I went to Gloucestershire and South Wales. These are holiday feelings, and must come but seldom. All well. R.B.

Address: Mr Charles Bloomfield. / National School. / Putney, / Surrey.