340. Robert Bloomfield to Hannah Bloomfield, 3 September 1819* 

London. Sep 3d. 1819

My Dear Hannah

Your Uncle Nat is still living, but as the Doctors cannot procure a proper passage or exactly tell the nature of the obstructon, he is still extremely ill and reduced. He is kept alive with arrow-root, milk and strong Beef broth; (not ninny). He slept five or six hours last night, and now says that 'he supposes he shall live, if they cant create a passage as long as any moisture remains in him.' Mr West has calld on him with the offer of wine when he can take it: Miss Ansted sent him a bottle of excellent French Brandy, and Mr Boys a pound Note.—

And now for my own concerns—I stated by letter to Mr Baldwin that I have a work ready for the printer if he and Longman should choose to undertake it, I expect some reply to night or tomorrow. I feel obliged in honour to give them the first offer, though my utmost wish is to get it into the hands of Murry of Albermarle Street if he would take it, in the mean times the days drag by in the utmost suspense as to my own affairs and my brothers, without the possibility of helping myself. One circumstance has turnd out well. I had £66 to recieve at the Bankers instead of about 30, there having been several extra names on the list; Lord John Fitzroy £5 and Lord Holland £25 &c &c It is true that Murray gave parson Crabb 3 thousand pounds for his Tales; [1]  I still believe that I shall be able to quit according to our wish, but you must have patience, I do all that's in my power, and here send you ten pounds to pay pressing demands, I had an extra pound this morning from Mr Vaughn. I will send the bound book soon.—

I have this moment recieved an answer from Baldwin by the hand of one of the partners, but have not time to open it!! The post is going. I will write again on Wednesday—God bless you—R Bloomfield

Address: Miss Bloomfield, / Shefford, / Beds