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[Page 6]
propriety of calling the attention of the Noble Earl to the subject, but desired if he declined mentioning it to him, that he would not mention it to any other. In regard to the precise expressions which I used I cannot speak, for I have no copy of what I wrote - but if it had contained any improper reflections on Government, Lord Wycombe would not I should hope have communicated it to the first Lord of the Admiralty, which I find he did. I certainly made mention of my application to you, & of your interesting Yourself on the subject, but I did not involve you in my opinions. When prisoners of war continue to perish as these men have perished there must be blame some where. But I have not imputed guilt to his Majesty's ministers. I do not believe there are any men in the Kings dominions less likely to be deaf to the calls of humanity than the present premier, or the great man at the head of the Admiralty; and I know nothing of any of the others that should make me hold a different sentiment of them. But deeply involved as in the vast variety of affairs they must be supposed on a subject of this kind to be regulated by the opinions of men in subordinate situations - of men, with all humility be it spoken, not perhaps more competent to judge rightly on a question of medical or physiological science than the person who addresses you.
If you will do me the honour to refer to my medical Reports, you will find a case described (1st edition p. 224) in which life was for some time sustained by artificial modes of nutrition. This case cost me much reading, & led me from the immediate point to consider nutrition in general