Balt. Aug.23rd 1854
Dear Sis E.
There is no apparent change in Mr. H. All his symptoms
continue about the same as when I last wrote and there is very
little hope of improvement in the Abscess until his general health
is better. This desirable result they are endeavouring to accomplish
by the constant use of Tonics taken internally, and also by
exciting and stimulating appliances to the wound, but his system
is so dormant that every effort to excite it has had little or no
effect as yet. Pa called in Dr. Dunbar (a gentleman of much skill
and experience in his profession) to his aid, and after an examination
of the case, he approved of all the means which were being
employed and concurred with Pa, that the abscess could not heal
without a great improvement in the general health of Mr. H. They
also think it would not do to heal it up quickly, as it might turn
inwardly upon some vital part. But amid these discouraging outward
prospects, his spirit continues cheerful and he is kept peaceful,
and resigned to whatever may be the will of our heavenly
Father concerning him. He is very patient, and I find it an easy
task to nurse him. E. R. is a great help to me, and delights to
wait on her Papa. She has a cold at this time, but her health has
been very good all the Summer. My own health has been much better
than for several years past. I feel very grateful that it is so,
as I am thus enabled to attend M. G. H. constantly. Our trust is
still in our Father in heaven who while he has so long and deeply
afflicted us still sustains and comforts us with his grace. Continue
to pray for us. We hope you are all well and happy. Write
soon and often. Our love to all.
yr aff Sister
E. P. Hamilton
(Mrs. M. G. Hamilton to Mrs. D. G. Smith)
