870. Robert Southey to Thomas Southey, 14 December [1803] ⁠* 

To compleat the wretched history of Edward it seems he & his Aunt have been actually juggling together how to make me supply him with money & get him into the army. supposing that I should the more readily exert myself if made to believe that he had quarrelled with her. I learn by his last letter that she continues to write to him – & he directs his letters to her at Bristol – where there is correspondence then is not much quarrel there – & he says she has sent him no money – thus letting the cat out of the bag. As if to prevent all possibility of his return to the navy, she has sold his uniforms to a travelling Jew. – Considering all these things & that it was impossible either to recommend him to any Captain myself, or expect any friend to do it after his conduct at Exeter, I have written to tell him that he & his Aunt may settle this matter how they please, for I will have nothing whatsoever to do with him till he has [MS obscured] thorough alteration of conduct. his letters & those of his creditors have already cost me [MS obscured]ence in postage.

God bless you. RS.