 | Berkeley papers |  |
I have been intending for the past day or two to answer
your last kind letter, but I have been more than usually hindered,
in consequence of several cases of sickness in our family.
Edward has been sick for a week, but is now, I am thankful to
say, getting well. He intends dressing himself to-day. He had a
bronchial affection & his liver was somewhat deranged. There is
such a tendency to Pneumonia, that I feel grateful indeed that
he should have escaped a severe attack. Tom has not been so fortunate.
He is now very sick with Pneumonia, brought on no doubt
from a neglected cold. Servants are so stupid. They will not tell
very often that any thing is the matter with them until they are
almost in the article of death. I hope he may not have a long
attack.
I was truly pained to hear of poor cousin Frances Hunter's
low condition. One can only hope she is now released from her
life of trouble and sorrow. I trust aunt Baxter is well, and that
she has abundant consolation from on high, in this her time of
heavy affliction. Joe Rice told me they had but recently heard
of his uncle John Baxter's death, though it occurred so long ago.
It seems true indeed that afflictions never come alone. There is
a great deal of sickness about here. I hear of many cases of Pneumonia—seems
the prevailing disease. The panic about small pox is
subsiding, but numbers have taken the precaution of being vaccinated.
Minnie and Lucy were vaccinated a second time. It did not
take the first. Mary and her children left me Saturday last. Unfortunately
Caroline's letter arrived the day after they went away
so she must not be surprised if Mary should not get it for a week
to come. The mail only goes once a week to Millington. I was very
sorry it did not come sooner, as I wished to hear from you all
very much. Poor Mary went away very unwell. She had taken a walk
from town the day before, which was too much for her. I consider
her health very bad. I wish she would consult some skilful Physician.
Indeed I wish most heartily she would go to Philadelphia.
The entire change of scene would benefit her spirits greatly,
which are greatly affected by her bodily maladies. Mama's health
is improving. She has been much better lately. Maria and her children
are well, likewise Mary and Mr. Smith. I could write more but
as I have Tom's work to do must conclude. With much love to
Mother, and a hope that she is better—also to Margaret, of whose
troublesome eruption I hope she is relieved, to Caroline and
Fannie. How much I wish to see Williette and hear her sing. My
love and sympathy to aunt Baxter, for whom I feel deeply. Your
brother is as well as usual.
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