Windsor, April 10, 1824
Dear Miss Bloomfield,
On my return yesterday I called at Messrs. Baldwin & Co., but
as the principals had all left the warehouse, I could not obtain the desired interview.
I have therefore addressed the enclosed letter to Mr. Baldwin, [1] for the purposes of explaining the objects I mentioned
to you, and which, if you think proper, you can show to Mr. B., or any other friend whose opinion you value, previous to sending
it to Mr. Baldwin.
I must again repeat to you, that your following my advice with respect to these arrangements, involves the
necessity of depending exclusively on your own personal exertions for support during the next two years; as by these arrangements,
the income derivable from your booksellers will be anticipated for that period at least; but that this appears to me the only way
of saving the half-copyrights for the future benefit of the family; and that the attainment of this object may exempt you from the
penalty of suffering privations for many years, instead of only a few.
Mrs. Bloomfield's entire concurrence will of course be required,
in writing, previous to any actual proceedings.
When these preliminaries are settled, I shall be glad to hear from you on the subject.
Perhaps it would be better if you carried my letter to Mr. Baldwin
yourself—you could then learn his opinion on the subject; and obtain from him any explanations of which you stand in need. Mr.
Harvey, also, in the firm of Darton and Harvey, would be a useful person to consult,
if you think it desirable.
After all, I must beg to add, that though the advice I have given is the best I am able to give, it will in no
degree offend me, should you prefer your own opinion, or that of any other friend to the family, as I only wish to see you all
placed in the most comfortable condition which your present circumstances will allow. My sister joins me in kind wishes.
Dear Miss Bloomfield,
Yours &c.
Joseph Weston
P.S. I have read Mr. B's [2] letter attentively. If I comprehend his meaning, I think the view he has taken of your affairs both incorrect
and gloomy. I think also, you ought to consider well, and obtain the best advice you can get, before you consent to sacrifice
the half-copyrights for temporary advantage.
I will return Mr. B's letter when I write next.