From Thomas Beddoes to James Watt   14 August 1808

Dear Sir

I was sorry to hear from more than one quarter that Mr R Boulton is still complaining – Mr Murdoch is hypochondriacal (as I need not probably tell you) with some disorder of his liver & other digestive organs – I trust he is a little better & that he will be more so – His son has a strong consumptive tendency, which I ought to be able to eradicate –

I have been idle enough to labour at a tract to persuade hardworking men that fermented liquor is not only unnecessary but bad for them while at work – Ergo the less the better –

I have not told you that I expect to rival the Methodists in proselyte-making among that class

I beg to be remembered to Mr Watt & Messrs Boulton

I am
Dear Sir
Yr^s faithfully

Thomas Beddoes

14 Aug. 1808