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It is now ten days since we left Edinburgh;
I had began two days before to diminish the absorbent
and some fermentation had arisen probably in consequence
of it, in my Stomach. That fermentation had continued
ever since with more or less violence, as my food has
been more or less easy of digestion. On one day on which
I had eaten some turnips and some very young tender
well boiled cabbage I suffered exceedingly from
the spasms, and of course am begun (↑become↑) far more cautious
Three days ago I eat some bread pudding, and I fear
this was the cause of much increase in the fermentation
and has occasioned me much pain from the spasms
which still continue, interrupt my sleep, and wholly
overset me. I tried the salt of steel for two days I
suspected that it did not well agree with my stomach,
and that it reproved me two days twenty four hours
afterward with [ransidness?]; As in the 3d Instant I had
diminished the absorbent for five days I left it off,

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and have taken none since. On the 4th. in the Evening after
having suffered the fermentation day I had a great
evacuation in the evening by a purgative stool. I then
ventured on the 5th Instant to take the rust of Steel as
my stomach & bowels seemed tolleably quiet. I had
a very acrid loose stool on that day. On the 7.th we
arrived here, I supped on Sassafras tea & new milk
which has continued ever since to be my breakfast
& supper. On the 8.th I bathed, the impression of cold was
very trifling, I felt no inconvenience whatever, no
chillness, nor indeed any effect. I bathe every morning
and feel nothing to wish otherwise, but nothing to
commend. I have taken five times of the rust of steel
have increased it to 13 grains, and shall to day
to 15. I am not costive, but I have scarcely any
dejection of faeces since the 5.th Instant; this appears
to me extraordinary, as I usually had large discharges
during my costiveness. My legs swell very much,
even so as to be troublesome and heavy, and do not
[recover?] but little in the night. My urine is in smaller
quantity and of course higher coloured.

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My ease is so constantly interrupted by the fermentation
which is violent and breaks not with such efforts on
the [coats?] of the stomach as to occasion much pain; the
air is at times very sharp, at others barely [fixed?] air
and no more. I am much determined not to have [recurrence?]
to the absorbent, if it is possible to resist it, but I must
own I feel much despondence at present, as the constant
pain interrups my sleep and in some degree effects
my spirits. I see with terror the season advancing and
that I make no progress.

By the time I can reacive your answer it will
be the period to remove to Matlock; after that I know
nothing of your future intentions, but suppose You will
send me to the Sea shore; and in that case You will
probably prefer Brighthelmstone to any other spot,
as it is the warmest I know off, being sheltered by Hills
from every wind but the South. I can get there very good
accomodation, and spend the greatest part of the
winter if I may be allowed to spend it here in England.

It has recurred to my friend Mr Harrison that
between five & six years ago I took it in my fancy that

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bene curare cute ¹ was a very proper practise, as one
advanced in life and every day I washed with a
spunge in warm water every part of my body that I
could reach, this was continued not so frequent in
Winter but two or three times a week till the month
of may last, and may perhaps account for the general
relaxation I now suffer.

I have had the piles pretty severely, but they
are going off without any discharge.

My appetite is much abated, but it was rather
a little voracious. At present I can eat very little
in the morning, not at all at Night and am not anxious
for my dinner. My langour is much as it was, though
if my stomach was better I think I should have rather
more activity than I had.

11th September The weather has not been fine since we
have been here and seems now set in for rain;
The swelling of my legs which increases notwithstanding
I have Kept them up give me great reason to
believe that You would advise our removal to
Matlock, but as we cannot get accomodation

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there of some days we will quit this place tomorrow
and ramble in the neighbourhood 'till we have
got such lodgings as suit us, I request the
favour of You to direct Your answer to Me at
Matlock. Mr Harrison desires to offer You his
best compliments, accept of mine and my sincere
thankfulness. I am with great truth & regard

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✍

Anthony Chamier Esquire
September 1780
XI.p. 70.