369. Robert Bloomfield to Charles Bloomfield, 2 May 1823* 

Shefford. Beds. May 2d. 1823

My Dear Charles

This is glorious weather, and I am as well as I ever shall be most likely. I have had much thinking on your present undertaking, and probability of success, for you are never out of my mind by day, and seldom by night. How do you get on? I hope you have bought yourself the articles of clothing you mentioned, for you must yield to the whim of the world: very much depends upon appearance, and you will find that it cannot be neglected with impunity in your situation. Do that which will make you feel happy, and satisfied with yourself. Appearance is not every thing, but it has more power than it is worth, and perhaps than it ought. Hannah has spent a week in London, and returned only on Wednesday night. She went almost solely on Charlottes account, who is not yet married, and agrees to delay. This affair has given us very great perplexity indeed.—James has been out of place, but has now got another.—Little cousin Charlotte has been deliverd of a dead child—My cousin Austins son Will, is expected here for a 'how de do'—Miss Weston talks of coming shortly—I have sent my play [1]  to Baldwin, and am anxiously waiting his reply—I have written more letters for our 'post Office' [2]  and think it will do well considered as a minor concern in our persuits—I think I should like to put your 'May day' verses for last year, at the end, but this is only a thought.—Jen Cooper is just returnd, he was unwell in London.—Fanny Fitzjohn is going to visit London for the first time.—Miss Humberstone is rather dangerously lame in her heel.—Mr Gay again goes out.—Have you found out that beautiful walk at Canterbury, 'the Dean john.'—? I think you will find very different companions in your present place compared to such as you have left, they are often vulgar, and ignorant, but you must learn to bear with them as I did with the shoemakers, and try to improve in whatever you are practicing, so that you may be able at a future day to command better wages. I hope it will do, for I should rejoice to see you conquer your difficulties, whatever they may be.—We have been reading 'Memoirs of Napoleon at St Helena', by Count Count [sic] Les Cassas and find the work extremely full of interest. [3]  The author was an emigrant in London, and there publish'd under the name Mr 'Le Sage', the very historical maps and 'charts of History' [4]  which we have. Pray read the work if it comes your way and whatever you find in your new attempt don't fail to tell me, both the black and the white side.—

I must close here, with wishing to hear from you very soon, for I am figetty about you, and have so much besides to worry me that I want news now.

But farewell, my pen is tired and time flies. Pray write soon, and I am your affectionate Father,

Robt Bloomfeld

Address: Mr Charles Bloomfield, / Mr Claris's, / Bests Lane, / Canterbury