From Thomas Beddoes to Davies Giddy   26 March 1807

Dear Giddy

As a question of speculation, if you have time, answer me this –

Does not our policy as to mad dogs want mending?

If so, c^d law mend it? & what c^d be the grounds on [MS torn] at any time the said law sh^d be enforced – here is our difficulty –

Q^y if in case of alarm any magistrate of his own accord or on requisition sh^d call on two med^l men to examine the persons who say they have seen a mad dog – & on their affirmative opinion, all dogs to be confined for 3 months under forfeiture of x pounds –

I want to know approximately how many men have been in Guy’s Hospital for bites of supposed mad dogs <since> & undergone the local treatment; & how long each has been confined on the average

yr^s truly

Thomas Beddoes
26 March 1807

I address this to Mr Guillemard