From Thomas Beddoes to James Watt   10 September 1806

My dear Sir

I have pretty well recovered my flesh – but I think the animal powers have not returned in proportion – I cannot e.g. maintain any bodily or mental exertion – Possibly the constitution had rec^d an irrecoverable shock – This I shall know more of by & by – I imagine there is great disorganization in the thoracic organs of which the foundation was laid early by a illtreated pleurisy. Nobody need be surprized if some day sooner or later I take my departure <suddenly> for that country where neither the myrmidons of France nor the tax-gatherers of England are to be dreaded – yet I expect to outlive poor Mr Fox –

Poor Dr Archer has been maltreated by disease – I sincerely hope we shall not lose that genuine specimen of Hibernian bonhomie –

I had a great work in hand – & indeed 10 sheets were printed off when I was cut down – It must lie by a while – I had finished a little work in which I wished to join pleasantry and utility – I wanted that it sh^d be read with^t personal reference – But Johnson spoiled all by his forgetting that it was not to be announced with my name – Mrs B & children well – She desire her best regards to you & Mrs Watt –

I remain Dear Sir
Yr faithful & obliged

Thomas Beddoes

10 Sep^r
1806