Dundas, David, Sir, Bart, 1749-1826 to James Dundas
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02549.44 Author/Creator: Dundas, David, Sir, Bart, 1749-1826 Place Written: Richmond, England Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 24 January 1789 Pagination: 4 p. ; 23.5 x 18.5 cm. Order a Copy
Of his schedule, he writes that for a time he was "going every other days to Windsor, sitting up all Night, hurrying home the next, & struggling to keep my usual business." He does not state exactly what he was doing, but does remark that "I fancy it a dream a delusion. it is so unnatural to see that Person who I was accustomed to approach with awe respect & deference in the situation He [is] now in." The dates, place, references, and letter content suggest that Dundas was caring for King George III during his outbreak of "madness" (since concluded to be the disease porphyria) from November 1788 to February 1789. The King's own recollection of Dundas's care seems to confirm it (see GLC02549.50). His rhetorical question, "How soon it will terminate God knows," and other references are filled with pathos. Worries about being indemnified and makes reference to "the strange political turn," possibly a reference to the regency crisis that accompanied George III's incapacitation. Discusses his father's health and his desire to see James soon. Notes his wife, Isabella, is pregnant again.
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