496. Robert Southey to John May, 19 March [1800] ⁠* 

My dear friend

At last I have heard from Lisbon. the letter by its date, Feb^y. 22. must have had a long passage. my Uncle writes very kindly, & desires us to set out for Falmouth as soon as possible, if we can, to sail with Cap^t Yescombe [1]  the first week in April. we are busied in preparations, & xxx that time be xxxx early than xxx I hope shall anchor in the Tagus before the first of May. My Uncle will take a house for us near his own, & live with us. –

You know not the comfort it is to have this point settled. I am going now with a definite object of pursuit, with the requisite knowledge for that pursuit, & with no feelings to render a foreign residence irksome & perpetually attract my wishes Englandward. I believe the complaints which now persecute & threaten me will yield to the voyage & the climate.

Whether or not I wish that you may remove to Lisbon I do not know. for immediate selfishness I should certainly wish you were going th there, for prospective intercourse – that you may remain settled in England. The plea of indisposition will secure me from the waste of time in visiting, & the weariness which I formerly endured at the long late night parties.

What is the best method of conveying or receiving money? should I take bills on Lisbon? or draw from thence?

I am already near enough my departure to feel uncomfortable, & eager to have the journey & the voyage over. God bless you. I direct to Richmond still.

<I will soon write again.>

yrs sincerely,

R Southey.

Wednesday 19 March.