[Samuel Goodenough, Bishop of Carlisle, botanist.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Saml. Carlisle') to Rev. Gilbert Ford of Ormskirk, regarding the 'Grey Pill' of his father, the Chester physician John Ford.

See Goodenough's entry in the Oxford DNB. At the time of writing he had not been long in place: he had been consecrated in the Chapel Royal, Whitehall on 13 February 1808, having been nominated by the Prime Minister the Duke of Portland. The recipient is Rev. Gilbert Ford (1768-1835) of Ormskirk, son of the eminent Chester physician and botanist John Ford (1731-1807). (Ford was possibly related to Goodenough by marriage: the latter's wife was a daughter of Dr James Ford, sometime physician to Middlesex Hospital and to Queen Charlotte.) 2pp, 4to. On bifolium. Franked, with seal in red wax and franking postmark, on reverse of second leaf: 'London April twenty second 1808 | To | The Revd. Mr. Ford. | Ormskirk. | [?] | Carliolm.' In good condition, lightly aged. He begins by explaining that he has been 'obliged to be in constant attendance at the H. of Lords, which engaged my servant also in waiting upon me there', and has not been able to deal with Ford's letter respecting his 'lodgings', although he hopes the matter has been settled to his satisfaction. He continues: 'I was much obliged to you for the Grey Pill - The First time I took them (for I thought it advisable to venture upon two as they are small) I had no better luck than with the aloetic Pills - I then took one Grey Pill, & one large aloetic, & at another time one Grey, & two small aloetic Pills - Since this I find the aloetic Pills act as usual.' He assumes that his indisposition has been due to his 'food & mode of living' in London, which is 'somewhat different from what they were in the Country [...] (I do not mean high & luxurious food for I never take it, but I mean the very bread & vegetables are different)'. He is going to 'watch this circumstance', as he believes that his 'health is entirely dependant upon the proper action of these Pills. These, if nothing else should, will always make me bless your good Father's memory.' He continues: 'We have no news stirring - The idea that Sir J. Duckworth's fleet was not allowed to water in the Chesapeake, made an immense impression Yesterday in the City & stocks fell 1/2 pr. Cent - Jefferies is said to be entirely devoted to Bonapartè.' He concludes by joining his wife's best wishes to Ford and his wife: 'we anticipate much pleasure in seeing you both in Town'.