From Thomas Beddoes to James Watt   mid June 1797

Dear Sir

I should have been at Bath tomorrow or Wednesday if one of my horses in my chaise had not been lamed on Saturday – I have two invalids there whom I see at no stated times, but at my own convenience & your being there w^d have been an inducement to visit them rather sooner than otherwise I should

Some great & solid inducements offered within these 3 days will I believe determine me to go to London in the beginning of winter – I believe on the score of prudence (though I do not wish to save money towards a large fortune) it is most adviseable – & for the pn^c Instⁿ it will be, on the whole, full as well, & more satisfactory to some liberal subscribers – I w^d not wish this mentioned just yet, though I believe the scheme w^d only be prevented by my death – I am quite persuaded, if I can render any service at all to medicine & mankind, I can render most there. But unless I could have security – as good as can be had in such cases – on the pecuniary side, I w^d not quit my lucrative post here – for that would have been unjustifiable –

What you say of Dr Gillan is too likely – & I am quite sorry to hear it – He cannot stand the shock of any complaint – It is a pity he put off giving me a particular acc^t of his having contracted the scurvy to his return – I gather from your account that Gregory finds the warm bath not weakening Probably the atmosphere will be both sufficiently warm for the next 2 months – & the warm bath may be of use in autumn & winter – if he needs any thing –

I wish much to see Mr Creaser to have an acc^t of the bleeding from the pores – & of the effect of oxygen – We unite in compt^s & good wishes to all yours –

I am

your sincere friend

Thomas Beddoes