University of Virginia Library

Ah, my poor brother!—another escape, another, almost
miraculous. I have just left him—I have been with him
all night long—I heard him breathing aloud, and left my
letter unfinished, last night, to run into his chamber. I
found him senseless—black in the face. It was with the
greatest difficulty that we brought him to; but he has
commanded my silence; forbidden me to mention it, even
to the physician. But how could I obey him! I sent
for our excellent Doctor. O, Sarah—this is the second
of these fits. within the last twenty-four hours—the third
will be fatal—my brother! my poor brother!