1801

Thomas Beddoes to Ralph Lambton, 13 March 1801

13 March

My dear Sir

Lady Anne will tell you that she found the boys with regard to manners &c so much to her satisfaction that she had not a wish that they sh^d be different – It appears to me that they have a tenderness of constitution that requires great attention – I lately explained myself fully on this subject to Mr W thinking it (though perhaps erroneously) more delicate to apply myself directly to him – & leaving him to state to you the facts as he sh^d think proper – As Lady A saw enough to satisfy her that my anxiety was not groundless, I explained myself very fully to her – I have no doubt whatever but by proper care John will make a very robust man, or that William will have a very tolerable constitution – But for perhaps a couple of years to come is a most important period – & a period that will fix them hearty & strong or the contrary for life – There is one observation which perhaps strikes me as a medical man more forcibly than it may you – Boys at an early age with tender chests are always in danger of getting mischievous & ultimately fatal blows from the bigger boys – Such cases are well-known & seem to me to furnish an important rule with regard to the time of life when certain children sh^d be sent to great schools – I am

D^r Sir yr^s with sincere regard

Thomas Beddoes

Address: R. J. Lambton Esq MP / Gloucester Place / London
Postmarks FREE / MA 14 / 1801 // BRISTOL MAR15 1801
Endorsement: March 1801 MS: Lambton Park MS