82. Robert Bloomfield to Capel
Lofft, [? April/May 1802]*
(Extract)
—Mr Swan has printed the 6th Edition of
the Farmer's Boy so as to give much satisfaction to those who pretend to
understand printing of which number I am not one. He has fitted up a new place
for his business and has an order from Mr
Hood and Longman
& Rees to print 5000 of the
small 'Rural Tales', and after what I apprized you of, or, rather would have
apprized you of, in regard to the nature and extent of the objection raised
against the short notes of approbation, you will not be surprised that their
resolution to omit them and then make this 2nd Edition
exactly like the larger copies of the first is again urged, and Mr Swan is acting accordingly. As I had
the misfortune to incur your high displeasure when the subject was agitated
before, and as I then declared against ever mentioning it again, it is with
unspeakable feelings that I thus forfeit my resolution and inform you now,
rather than be silent until it be done.
You Sir, I remember, said of these notes that 'publication would
be the best proof'. They are published Sir! and I can neither shut my ears
against a company, nor stop the postman from bringing me public opinions.—I am
not permitted to particularize, and may only say that the dislike of readers is just as I
said it would be, and that dislike expresst without reserve to me, and
of course to those who own the other half of the property. [1] —I am persuaded that
if you would have heard me 4 months ago on this subject that I should not now
have to write thus, but as it is, I feel myself to be performing a Duty, and
cannot forbear.—With prayers that you, Sir, and Mrs Lofft may pass a long life
together without pain or vexation, and that you will both withhold your censures
where you have not full information, I remain
&c &c—