University of Virginia Library

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I am very much disappointed in not hearing from you and
Mr. Smith. Can it be that you have not received a hasty note written
by Hannah Virginia on the 10th informing you of the violent
turn in Mr. Hs disease—or a line or two from me on Thursday telling
you he was some little better? Today he is no worse, though
weak as an infant, and Pa says with care he may so far rally as
to be as well as he was before this last attack. The spasms on
Tuesday afternoon and night were most severe. Two or three times
during the night they all thought he was dead except Pa—he said
no. Dr. Houck said he was, that there was no pulse at the wrist
and the heart had ceased to beat—but Pa insisted he would revive-and
through the mercy and goodness of our heavenly Father he did
revive—but did not return to consciousness until Thursday morning
about day—when he recognized me and called me. O how my poor
heart loaped within me at the sound of his loved voice—for I feared
I should never hear it again. He has spoken of you both frequently—and
sends his kindest love to you and also to the boys. I
would like to write more but cannotspare the time—as he requires
constant attention. Pa has been untiring in his attentions exertions
to relieve him— and has sat at his bedside for five or six
hours at a time. It has been a great comfort to me to have him
here, as I know nothing has been, or will be left undone that could
be of service to him. Pray for us—that the Lord would continue to
bless the means employed and restore him again—or if this cannot
be that he would prepare us for all his will and sustain and support
us in this our time of need. O for grace to bear the blow
whenever it does come. He is perfectly resigned to his Father's
will and as patient as possible—no murmur or complaint escapes
his lips.