297. Robert Southey to Grosvenor Charles Bedford, [25 March 1798] ⁠* 

Sunday. Lady day. 98.

My dear Grosvenor Bedford

According to the family Bible my brother Thomas was twenty on the 1^st of December last. he has been five years in the service. certainly it is his intention to continue <in> it till he gets a Lieutenancy. his future plans, future circumstances must determine, & no person has any business to enquire into them. As for his political opinions, I am not his conscience keeper, nor do I think it a question to be <asked or> answered, till S^t Dominic [1]  be appointed first Saint of the Admiralty.

My dear Grosvenor do not suppose that I am insensible of your friendly intentions. but whoever the person may be who thus qualifies his hints of patronage, I think his questions somewhat unnecessary & impertinent. Tom is a good sailor, he is a young man in whom I know no fault, not even a failing; I love & respect him, not because he is my brother, but because I know no one more entitled to respect & love. Assuredly every additional interest is desirable – but I trust he has enough, to need but little, any assistance so proffered.

And now Grosvenor I will write to you upon this subject, for I have been thinking of your friend in power all the last page. I thank you. write to Tom – he will be gratified by hearing from you, & his answer will be the only proper data for you to act upon. I answer but only for myself in this world.

As for news of myself – I have none – except indeed that an event of some importance happened to me on Friday, when I had a tooth drawn. I am well – tho I believe approaching still nearer to the true skeleton proportion. Edith is better than when she left London – but not in health. She is very thin & very weak. more I have not to say. I have no love of epistolizing; in this I am altered. in other points I am the same – & among those others, I

yrs truly, as it is in the beginning, is now, & ever shall be. [2] 

Robert Southey.

My direction is to Cottles.