72. Robert Bloomfield to Nathan
Drake, 8 January 1802*
London. Jany 8th 1802
Sir,
Remembering with peculiar pleasure the entertainment I found at
Hadleigh [1] and your previous
service and good wishes to me and my cause; I beg to renew the remembrance of
good deeds, and to be allowed to gratify myself by sending you a small volume,
and likewise one for the good lady [2] at whose table I was so
happy, and whose goodwill I very much wish to retain. My family are but very
so-so; neither am I quite well. What think you of the Vaccine? Is it not a
glorious cause?
Most truly and respectfully, Sir,
Your obedt. humble servt.
Robt Bloomfield.
Notes
* BL Add. MS 28268, f. 80; extract published in
Hart, p. 20 BACK
[1] Hart's note is worth reprinting here: 'It was in June 1801
(Dr. Drake informs me) that Mr. Bloomfield spent nearly a month with him at
Hadleigh. Much as I had been prespossess'd (says the Dr.) in Mr.
Bloomfield's favour by the beauty, originality, and moral tendency of his
poetry, I was yet greatly struck at this meeting by the symplicity of his
manners; by the evident tenderness of his feelings; and by the genuine
goodness of heart which many little circumstances seemed to call forth. The
same impression was felt and nearly I believe in an equal degree by all to
whom I introduced him and when induced in a large party to recite some of
his unpublished pieces — this was done with a propriety of manner and
sensibility of expression which did not fail to make its way very powerfully
to the sympathy and approbation of his hearers.' BACK
[2] Hart:
'Mrs Fortescue then resident at Hadleigh'. BACK