1796

Thomas Beddoes to Davies Giddy, 31 July 1796

31 July

Dear Giddy

I have just begun a negociation with Sir Walter James about his house at Clifton, which your sister knows. He asks an enormous price – but says he gave two thousand five hundred pounds for it unfurnished, & laid out sums to make conveniences besides. The house w^d suit me & my plans incomparably – but the purchase money is forbidding – My plan is to assemble every thing mechanics, chemistry and art in general can supply for the relief of the sick – & a small inclosure belonging to Sir Walter’s premises w^d allow me just space enough. At present I c^d afford very well to purchase diff^t articles which I have in view for the purpose above mentioned; & if the state of affairs or my receipts did not grow materially diff^t, it w^d put me to small inconvenience to borrow what I c^d not conveniently spare at present to compleat the above purchase – & indeed if I c^d be sure of selling it again in 3 or 4 years (supposing I sh^d choose to go to London at a loss of £300 or 400) I w^d not hesitate. But as I fear that the former of these contingencies will bring about the latter – I mean that the distressed state of the country will lessen the resort to this place, I am afraid I must both relinquish the purchase & postpone a design that bids fair to do good & lies within the reach of my own means. I want therefore counsel which no mortal can give.

You will perhaps wonder to hear that the company at Clifton has been at least thrice as numerous as the last 2 years – but I imagine this has been the most unhealthy season which this country has experienced for years –

I begin to see a little distinctly the powers of elastic fluids in medicine. I am printing some facts which will much illustrate this subject – The pamphlet will be out in 6 or 8 weeks – Nothing but the peculiar circumstances of the country w^d now prevent the establishment of research so often mentioned – We have got a tolerable sum – I suppose £1300 or 1400 – & are (or rather w^d be) likely to get much more. The distress however now felt ministry for money must now extend to private life. It is I believe very pressing – From good authority I hear that one guinea notes redeemable in 3 years are to be issued – The drafts from the West Indies have been enormous – we shall be obliged to buy peace, shall we not? At least by reimbursing the Toulon damage. But I expect that a sum under the name of indemnification will be demanded – & carrying on the war will cost us more – I do not see what is to hinder the French from carrying on a predatory war <by sea> sine fine – Tell your sister that my wife intends being at home [xxxx] <the 1st week of Sep^r> & a pressing invitation I have to her from Mrs Clayfield Sen^r Mrs C Junior I never saw – Remember me to your father & mother & believe me yours truly

Thomas Beddoes

I have now just seen Dr Luke – he means to migrate hither from Bath

Address: Davies Giddy Esq / Tredrea /Marazion / Cornwall
Endorsement: Doctor Beddoes / 1796 / July the 31^st
MS: Cornish Archives MS DG 42/33