University of Virginia Library

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As I know you are anxious to hear from little Lucy, I
embrace the first opportunity of sending you tidings from her.
Doctors Anderson & Bibb have both pronounced her out of danger
now & without a relapse will very soon be in her usual health.
The Bronchial symptoms have not yielded yet altogether, but they
think will, with the use of Hive syrup & the wearing of flannel.
She has been very sprightly today, most too much so for my comfort
for I am often compelled to check her. Hor appetite too is
getting very good & I am greatly troubled to control her in eating.
`Want to eat' is her almost constant song, & she wants things
she ought not to have. I hope to be able to control her however &
that she may recover entirely and relieve me from the fatigue &
anxiety of nursing her. I feel very tired & out of sorts from my
constant confinement with her. Her blister is drying up-causes
her very little pain now.

I was feeling so anxious & nervous while you were here, my
dear sister, that it seems to me but like a dream that you made
us the visit. `Twas a comfort, a great comfort to me to have you
with me when Lulie was so sick, but it grieves me now to think I
did so little to contribute to your pleasure while with us. I comfort
myself however by the reflection, that you know the feelings
of a mother under such circumstances & this is a sufficient apology
to offer.

Johnnie & the girls failed to get back in the evening of
the day you left as they expected. Cousin Hettie would have them
to spend the night with her. Fannie tells me that she is much more
cheerful than when she last saw her. I am glad to hear it, but poo[OMITTED]
woman, I know she has times of deep, deep sorrow. Sallie Bear is
making preparation to go with Fannie to the Petersburg school. Mrs.
Stevens is extremely desirous that she should go, & no doubt will
be of incalculable advantage to her to be thrown more upon her own
resources than she can be while with her aunt.

Tho' I have been expecting a letter from over the mountains
for some time it has not come yet. Mother & all are in at least
their usual health I imagine or we would have heard from them before
this. It may be that we will hear by tomorrow's mail. Have
you heard from them since Carrie's letter came?

How are Mary & her babe getting on. I hope they have suffered
no inconvenience from the changeable weather we have had of
late. A great deal of love to her from me if you please. I am looking
forward with a great deal of pleasure when I shall see her again.
Maria & her children are well I hope-love to her, Mr. Broadu
Brother, George the two Hosalies, & the boys. The family unite in
sending love to yourself & family. I hope to get up early enough
in the morning to send Brother a piece of mutton. I hope to hear
from you soon.