646. Robert Southey to Charles Danvers, 6 January 1802 ⁠* 

My dear Danvers –

You will not be surprized to hear that my Mother is at last gone. she died yesterday afternoon – for twelve hours she had breathed very difficultly – but her last minutes were easy – .

I shall write to announce this to Miss Tyler. it is very likely the letter may remain some days at the Post Office. should you see Edward therefore let him know what has happened.

The funeral will be on Friday. I am more pained than I expected – or ought – to be – that she cannot be laid in the grave of the family. [1] 

Miss Tyler has destroyed her. of that I feel certain – & the blow will go to her heart. it is heavy enough to me – but she has lost her only friend.

God bless you Danvers.

Robert Southey.

It is so very long since you have written that I am uneasy respecting you – forget not our loves to M^rs Danvers