 | Berkeley papers |  |
I was greatly concerned to hear Mother was so much of
an invalid still. We had hoped she was improving in health, as
the weather became more mild and settled.
Your brother has had a very severe attack of inflammation
in the face, which caused him a great deal of suffering. You
may recollect he has had several similar attacks, but this has
been one of the most obstinate. I am thankful to say, he is now
in his usual health & would like so much to visit Mother, if he
possibly can make his arrangements to do so, I am sure he will,
but he lost a good deal of time from his sickness, which of
course makes him exceedingly busy now. If Mother should get no
better, I sometimes think I must go and see her myself, but I
trust she may improve, and that we shall have better tidings of
her in your next letter.
Mary Harrison is now in Charlottesville. Dr. Harrison saw
her and Maria on the street yesterday. She has been suffering a
vast deal from the tartar emetic ointment on her back, but I
hope in a short time she will be able to see come benefit resulting
from the means she is using. She will return the last of this
week to the University to remain soem time longer I believe. She
went last Saturday to Mr. Stovens' and I suppose will divide her
time between her & Maria. Mrs. Keblinger with whom she intends
staying some part of the time, has recently lost her mother.
Sister Maria has recently passed a few days with me. She
is looking very well, but was obliged to return soon, as it is
so busy a season in the country.
Mary thinks her eyes are improving. She has weaned her
little girl, who is running all about. We heard with great pain
of dear Margaret's affection of the eye. I trust most devoutly
she may not lose the sight. How much I wish I could help to beguile
the tedium of her confinement. It is as you observed a sad
privation, and one which awakens in my bosom a deeper sympathy
than almost any other bodily affliction. I pray most sincerely
that the Good Being may see fit to avert so heavy a calamity, and
that she may soon be relieved of this painful malady.
They are going on quite rapidly with the Parsonage. I suppose
it will be completed by September for Mr. Broadus. I sometimes
fear that just as we get our children settled around us,
we shall be obliged to go away. It is pretty hard living here now.
Dr. Harrison is making nothing at all for his family. Unless some
changes are made I am sure he will not remain here. With much
love to Mother, Margaret, Caroline and Fannie, I am ever your
affectionate sister
could not possibly have gone. He is again deeply immersed in
study, and has nothing to encourage him in the profession he has
chosen. Such numbers are pursuing the same occupation, and the
times so hard it is impossible to get a place, Even the best Engineers
are now out of employment. He is afraid he will be obliged
to teach school, whic he abhors. It is now the only way to make
money. Mr. Joynes went over the mountains with the intention of
and has not yet returned. Both he and I took cold the
night of the celebration. I was really very sick Saturday
night, and felt that I was somewhat imprudent in going
out Sunday, but could not resist the pleasure of hearing
Dr. Alexander preach, who gave us two delightful sermons
on Sunday. I feel now pretty well again.
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