143. Edward Jenner to Robert Bloomfield, 21 October 1804* 

Dear Sir

I was in hopes long before this time to have been in town, and to have thank'd you in person for your very elegant & pathetic poem on Vaccine Inoculation, which you have so handsomely dedicated to me and my Brethren of the Royal J. Society. [1]  It excited in me those emotions which all who read it must feel, that are not void of sensibility. I trust it will be as well received and gain as high commendation as the Farmers Boy—It need not obtain more.

You must allow me to fix upon you some mark of my esteem & friendship. Do me the favour then to accept a Silver Inkstand, into which the inclosed note may be soon converted, if you will call upon Messrs. Rundell & Bridge, Silversmiths in Ludgate Hill, & use my name. I should like the following plain Engraving upon it. Edward Jenner M.D. to Robert Bloomfield.

Wishing you all happiness, I remain

Your friend & servant

Edward Jenner

Cheltenham.Octob: 21 1804