81. Robert Bloomfield to George Bloomfield, 2–3 March 1802* 

City Road London

March 2d 1802

Dear George

This morning I had yours by post. Nats job goes on well. How far does Mr Gedge feel himself engaged in this job, does he expect, or does he wish to publish as well as print? Would it be any additional advantage to him to do it,? Would he not feel himself ill used by now having Mr Hood as publisher,? To these questions you most likely cannot immediately reply. If Mr Gedge goes through with it, he will, and must have a London Vendor. Was he at Troston with you on Sunday? I like the printing much as far as Mr Gedge has sent it I cannot broach it to Mr Hood untill you, or Mr loft, or Mr Gedge, through [sic] a light upon these queries. As to writing any thing about the author myself, I have not yet time to judge of its expediency. Mr L's suggestions are new to me, I had only thought that there are some fools in the world who would say on such an occasion that I wrote them, or helpd to write them: and I know not whither such a procedure would, or would not involve Nats reputation. [1] —The Hare you sent was an excellent one, we cut him up, and laid him upon 2 pound of Rump stakes and made a charming Pye.

March 3d — I have searchd again for the journal but am confident that I never had it back. It is of no value to me whatever only as it contains some things which I would not wish to be public, and I know not how to ensure myself that that will not be the case, but by getting such things into my own hands. It contains Barrats Story, and the Elegy on Old Ball, the Venison Song, [2]  and many remarks both trifling and serious—

I have had a Letter from Lord B at Edenborough and wrote in reply.—I send you Hollaways Vollm [3]  as you desird.—

And pray don't talk of Change from Barton; they are so good to me that you ought to share it. I last night Drank wine and Tea at Mrs Philips's they had company and I was forced to stay, and this prevented my sending by this days Coach. Mrs P ordered 2 Dozn Books which I carried with me, and received for what she had sold.—

Mr L applied to me for a pair of Wedding Shoes to be sent to Miss Finch at Cambridge. I sent them last Monday, with a letter full of nonsense fit for the occasion, she will soon be at Troston. —

My Boy has had a return of his Fits, but is now better

All well

R Bloomfield

You will see what I say to Mr L as to Nats affair—I want to know how you proceed with the Shoe trade, but I am asham'd to ask because I have no help for you just now—perhaps we may find out in time who sent the copy from Thetford I suspect Miss Pooly, or the Bidwells—