Thomas Beddoes to the Editor of The Monthly Magazine, 18 March 1802
Sir
I inclose a letter to the Mayor of Bristol, which has appeared in one of the public prints here. Some of the facts, perhaps, you will judge worthy of a wider circulation. I cannot but suppose that the quantity of unrelieved misery in this city has been utterly unknown to its opulent inhabitants. It seems incumbent upon them, not less in point of humanity than of prudence to imitate the honourable example which other cities place before their eyes. My inquiries lead me to believe that in ordinary times there is much low fever in Bristol. And as you cannot be safe while a neighbour’s house is on fire, so will sparks of contagion be always flying from person to person, whatever be their difference of situation.
I am Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
Thomas Beddoes
Clifton,
March 18, 1802
Published: The Monthly Magazine (1 April 1802), 233–35