Thomas Beddoes to James Watt, 2 December 1803

Dear Sir

Your letter of the 29 found me here, just returned from a 4 days professional journey. I now answer it with^t delay.

I think it probable that your plan of nursing will serve Gregory – & sh^d suppose those symptoms you describe might be removed in a moderate time & their return prevented – However if Dr Carmichael will write what he has seen & thinks – & if I have the advantage of seeing him, I hope to be able to give you a confident favourable opinion.

I am glad you & your neighbours approve of my plan – Indeed as to subscriptions, the natural idea is that this great city sh^d bear the expense – But I do not believe the Bristol heads and hearts are particularly quick at entering into such schemes & therefore I w^d have it be before them for a time – if the only ground for expecting help for once from distant persons is that the thing being once proved good in practice may be adopted every where – But I do not look for many such subscriptions –

I am
my dear Sir
yrs with all good wishes

Thomas Beddoes
2 Dec. 1803

Can I be of use about lodgings?

Address: Mr Watt / Heathfield / Birmingham
Endorsement: Dr Beddoes Dec^r 2^d 1803 // Gregory’s case
MS: LoB MS 3219/4/045/07

The full versions of these letters with textual apparatus will be published by Cambridge University Press.