Thomas Beddoes to Sarah Sittwell [?1802, after 2 March]
Your great Derbyshire Duchess has made a vast benefit-ball here – I did not go to it – I never get into a mob of any kind, if I can help it – Next day, she sent to desire to see me – not on acct of her health – but some of her friends were greatly desirous I shd see her son – I was however not to be found before her hour of return to Bath – In 3 days I was called to Bath – I went to the Dukes the Dss was just gone out – her servants tried in vain to find her – I hope to see her on Friday – I have always found her very well informed & ready to enter into any useful ideas with prodigious ardour – I think if she been more fortunate in early life, she wd have rivalled the late D. of Bedford – the only person of great wealth who made it his business to do good – We shall never see his like again, I fear –
Dear Madam
I am yrs with sincere good wishes
Thomas Beddoes
Address: Mrs Sittwell / Ren[rest of word cut off]
MS: Science Museum MS 1310