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I have been wishing for some time to write to you, but
as usual have been very much occupied and Dr. Harrison generally
anticipated me. I was deeply concerned to hear that our dear
Mother continued in so feeble a state. I had hoped that as the
weather became milder she would improve, and once more be restored
to her usual health; I often think how great a gratification
it would be to me to be with her, but it seems that I am
pretty much confined. We have unusual difficulties in our domestic
affairs. Flora was taken very ill Friday last. During the
night she was seized with violent convulsions, which have resulted
in the premature birth of a child, born dead. I hope she
will now get well though it may be some time before she can do
any thing, if she ever is of any service again. In the mean time
we find it quite difficult to obtain any one to take her place.
Rosalie has nearly recovered from the measles. I never saw so
mild a kind. She has not been the least sick. I hope the other
members who are to have it, will be equally fortunate.
Poor Mrs. McKennie has recently lost her mother. She sied
at Mrs. Nelsons of pneumonia. I do not know whether Mrs. McKennie
has returned yet. I feel very much for her, she must have arrived
only to see her mother a very short while before her death. Mrs.
Leschot is now ill with the same disease. There is but little
hope of her recovery. Eugene Davis has a son very ill from the
measles. It is not thought he can possibly recover. Mrs. Dr. Davis
is getting well rapidly. She thinks of going to Lynchburg as soon
as she is well enough to travel. Mrs. Courtenay had twins Sunday
week. She calls them after her two brothers, Marshall and Hamilton.
They are very diminutive little creatures. She is looking
badly. She has been a good deal afflicted with asthma lately. She
has an excellent nurse from Baltimore, besides one here. It takes
them all to give the requisite attention.
Sister Maria paid me a visit recently of a week. Mary returned
with her and proposes remaining three weeks, that she
might go on with her work uninterruptedly. She says she is making
but slow progress. A very particular friend of ours Mrs. Blair
Dabney of Campbell, has been in Charlottesville to see her son,
who was ill, but is now recovering. Sister M. sent in her carriage
for her and me to-day, but unfortunately I could not go.
I greatly regretted this, as she is a very old and particular
friend of our Mother's as well as our own. I promised myself much
enjoyment in her society.
I was greatly shocked and concerned to hear of Mrs. Gen'l
Lewis' death. I had not even heard of her illness. How sadly the
poor Lomax family have been afflicted. Surely there must be some
wise purpose in this afflicting the good and excellent of earth.
How dark these dispensations of Providence would seem, if not
looked at with the eye of faith.
Maria is very busy preparing to go to housekeeping, which
they intend doing in August. Mr. Broadus has rented a house at
the town end of Main Street, not very far from the Depot. They
terms. The new Baptist Church is begun, the members had
a feast, & some fancy articles to dispose of in aid of it last
night. They propose having it three days.
Our garden is looking very well. Our flowers are beginning
to bloom abundantly, and the vegetables promise well. I
have rarely had so fine a crop of peas. The locust trees are
in full bloom, the whole air is filled with perfume. We have
had an unusually mild spring, not a single frost that I recollect.
I hope we shall have a plenty of strawberries.
Last Saturday and Sunday we had quarterly meeting. Mr.
Moorman was here and preached Sunday last. Maria joined the
church Saturday.
Dr. Harrison is pretty well again, though he has been
very much fatigued and has lost a great deal of rest. I hope he
may be able to get through his laborious duties without farther
hindrance.
All the family unite with me in sending much love to
Mother, Mary, Caroline & Fannie & yourself, and a kiss for
Minna. Our love also to aunt Baxter. I wish most sincerely she
and Mother could not be separated.
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