Shefford. Apr 29. 1824
Sir
Being prevented by a bad Headach from writing to you myself, I
avail myself of the kindness of a friend to write the following circular which I
have address'd to many of my Father's friends and correspondents.
The long and expensive illness which terminated the life of my
dear Father on the 19 of August 1823 has involved our family in affliction and
distress. To satisfy our creditors we have been under the necessity of
anticipating the little income arising from the sale of my Fathers works for two
years to come, and have no means of subsistence during that period but what may
arise from our furniture and other effects which will be offer'd for sale on
Friday the 28th instt and the following
day—including the original manuscripts of my Fathers works in his own
handwriting with the Books and other presents which have been given to my Father
by persons of eminence. A friend who has interested himself in our concerns
hopes that these things deriving some value in the public estimation from having
belonged to my Father may produce something worth our notice.
It is the intention of our Bookseller to publish a new Edition
of my Father's works in a few months including a memoir of the latter part of
his life—the most interesting parts of his correspondence, and a few poetical
fragments not yet published.
It would be esteemed a great kindness by our family if you would
return such of my father's letters (should you happen to possess any) as you
think worth publication and would grant permission to publish such parts only of
your letters addressed to my father as may serve to illustrate or explain any
part of his writings.
When a selection is made from the correspondence between yourself
and my Father which is thought by our friends to be proper for the public eye—it
is intended, if you wish it to submit it to your approval previous to
publication.
As we leave Shefford
immediately after the Sale we shall feel obliged by your reply before the 25th instt
I am Sir your Obedt Servt
Hannah Bloomfield