Anna Beddoes to Davies Giddy, 29 August 1808
You kindly desired Dr B. to write to you, at your various bating places, [1] but as I know my dear friend it will give you pleasure to see my hand writing, & to know that I am able and willing to tell you that I am pretty well, [2] I desired he would allow me to make my own report — – I have nothing to complain of but a little weakness which is the natural consequence of my present situation, and as I yesterday dined with the Dr in the drawing room, I have not much right to complain even of this — I would give much to hear of your wife’s being as I am now am yes I think I would part with my little baby herself — Is there any prospect of such a happy charge? — Do take all possible care of your wife, for she requires it, & she will never be a mother unless you do — surely no time is to be lost — perhaps your temporary absence may be of use she may gain strength, which I am sure poor thing she had much need of [3] — I suppose your time has been most happy spent in Sussex — nothing equal to ease & tranquillity of mind for restoring best health – – excuse this vile writing – it is from my bed — Louisa Dashwood [4] &, Miss Grant have pressed me so much to accompany them to some watering place for a month that I believe I shall go, as soon as ever I am able to travel — though as Mary gave me hopes of her paying me a visit I do not yet know what to determine — you thought I had to resolved not to write to you! – whenever I have any thing worth communicating, believe me I shall be ready enough to impart it — Do you grow fat, does your health improve – tell me every thing concerning yourself for I have by no means lost that interest in your welfare which I ever had, & ever shall have — yours very affectionately
Monday 29th Augt A M Beddoes
Address: Davies Giddy Esqr M.P. / Post Office / Bodmin / Cornwall
Endorsement: Anna / 1808 / Augst the 29th
Notes
[1] In the sense of a place to rest and refresh oneself.
[2] Anna had experienced a difficult pregnancy but was now recovering from giving birth.
[3] See 17 April 1808, note 2: Mary Gilbert was pregnant. A daughter, Mary, was born, disabled, on 14 February 1809.
[4] See 21-22 January 1808, note 1 for this young friend of Anna’s.