Henry Crabb Robinson, 30 Russell Square, to Angelina Georgina Burdett-Cootts, 1 Stratton Street, Piccadilly, 27 December 1859. 

Dear Miss Cootts,

       Tho’ I am occasionally annoyd by Syncope Senilis I am young enough to be delighted with the gay card which issued from Stratton Street this morning And as I was thereby assured that those who represented it – no – that’s bad grammar whom it represented were still in town I resolved to make my acknowledgements in person, but I had not walked many yards before that swimming of the head occurred which announced the probability of that which is technically named above And a friend meeting me, he assisted me with his arm And I came home where I shall remain the rest of the day or in the neighbourhood – It is not that I am to be always within doors, for [f. 32r] that is not advisable, but that I am recommended to attend to all those medications – I have twice consulted Mr Bowman And am quite satisfied with his counsel – he does not alarm me And I obey orders –

      I cordially reciprocate your and Mrs Browns kind wishes which I will not consider as mere compliments

      I enjoyed my easy chat with her and drove home in comfort

       I trust that you are now receiving proof that Doctors are as little to be relied on when they predict bad news as when they promise good

                        &c &c &c

                                                 H. C. Robinson

Miss B. Cootts

Postmark: London DE 27 59. Endorsed: R. Crabb 1858-0 60 

Text: Add. MS. 85291, fols. 31-32, British Library.