1808

Thomas Beddoes to T. G. Estcourt, 4 March 1808

My dear Sir

I regret that you have had so much trouble about my letters – The delay was quite immaterial – I trouble you, & perhaps it may give you more trouble than I c^d wish, to direct the enclosed to Francis Douce Esq – Francis Douce Esq you probably know is the author of some late curious illustrations of Shakespeare – I want to get from him some black letter information resp^g, the probable connection of the manners of our ancestors connected with their state of health – & I know not where he lives – I have heard at Maidstone Kent – However if none of y^r friends happen to know, his publishers Longman & Co booksellers Paternoster Row are a sure source of intelligence But there is no sort of hurry – Whenever you or a servant go to the city, will be time enough –

I am almost inclined to congratulate you on y^r late symptoms – because they must be a strong motive &c for being in earnest to keep free from them in future; & the cause is as plain & as easy to be avoided as a wall or a gate-port – I am very ready at least to explain at large; & you, if you please, may refer my rules & reasons to Dr Pitcairn’s revision –

I consider Miss Praed’s as a very serious but not immediately dangerous case – I thought it my duty to write explicitly to Mr Praed – not having considered the symptoms at all in the light I do, he very naturally wishes for other opinions – & is coming into this part for the purpose – Of this I am very glad, because it will either relieve me of the responsibility, or invest me with more of their & my own confidence – I am, my dear Sir much gratified by y^r acc^t of little Edmund & remain y^r much obliged & thankful ser^t

Thomas Beddoes

Address: T. G. Estcourt Esq / House of Commons / London
Postmarks: BRISTOL / 122 / MAR 4 / 1808 // FREE 7 MA 7 / 1808
MS: Gloucestershire Archives D1571 F227