2333. Robert Southey to Henry Herbert Southey, [c. 18 November 1813] ⁠* 

My dear Harry

Your xxxxx Beddoes had once a notion that colds were to be cured by exposure to cold. [1]  My case would tend to support his theory. I got into the mail with a plentiful flowing at the nose, & a great disposition to cough. You know the weather was so warm during the day that I did not put on my elastic shirt. It became very severe. My body clothes kept my legs & thighs from suffering much; but in the course of the night I found it necessary to pull off great coat, coat & waistcoat, & slip on this new fashioned under waistcoat, which I accomplished without disturbing the repose or shocking the delicacy of a stupid old woman whom ill fate had xx made the sole companion of my journey. The Laureat dressing in the mail in this situation was even a better scene than his dressing for court, – had there been any one present to have enjoyed it.

In the course of 2 ½ hours I lost all inclination to cough, & xxxxxxxly any xx nearly got rid of my cold, – just enough remaining to remind me that I have had one.

Tomorrow I shall get a little in order, & in xx a day or two will begin a letter of extracts for you, – & look out the miracle of miracles for Gooch.

God bless you

RS.

When the Binder brings home the books Murray will pack them for me.