Reference
Z699/188
Title
Samuel May to Priscilla Strange 15 Sept 1839
Aldbro 9th 15th 1839
My dear Priscilla
As I promised to write again should thy dear Mother be worse I thought best to drop thee a lines to give thee a little further information altho' I hope the worst is past. After I wrote on 6th day evening the complaint very much increased I almost forget whether I informed you that the doctor thought it needful to take some blood from the arm, he also desired a chamomile poultice to be applied to the bowels which did not remove the pain, and it became so violent that he applied a large mustard plaster, & since that a blister & it was not until yesterday morning that he could get the medicine to act on the bowels, since which I hope there has been some improvement but still she is suffering much from the severe applications. 6th day night was indeed a distressing night the doctor who is extremely attentive stayed till nearly one o'clock & came again at about six, we have a nice agreeable woman as nurse, which is a great relief.
The first night our Landlady who lives next door & our Servant sat up & yesterday we got the nurse in, she took last night & I got a bed in the next room, & got nicely rested not having had my clothes off the night before I required sleep, & I am thankful to say that thy dear Mother passed a more quiet night than we had anticipated, & about noon today we {had} her out of bed & placed her on a sofa whilst the bed was made & after she was replaced in bed she got some pretty quiet sleep and the doctor pronounces her better, yet there remains a deal to contend with there is still too much heat about her, we give her a Saline draught every 3 hours, she takes no food except a little gruel, & sometimes toastwater, or tea, I hope the doctor will be here again before I close this, so that you may have the latest account.
I am now writing in the room as nurse is gone to lay down a few hours, so that she may be up tonight if needful which I apprehend will be the case, & I am fearful of making too free with my own strength lest I should add to our trials. I am very nicely now, my nights rest has set me up -
How much we have wished we were within reach of our dear Edward, but he is too far off. I have written to him by this post. Charles & R.Ransome came last evening, the latter found Sarah not quite so well - I am afraid she exerted herself too much in our extremity more than her health was equal to, C. & R. leave tomorrow morning. We have thought of the girls many times today, I hope they will have finer weather for their journey than we have had here today, yesterday was a most tremendous rough day, no vessel could go out or come in. Today is also stormy, so that we do not get out much more than a few minutes at a time, just to refresh me after being in the Chamber with thy mother - I cannot leave her long at a time.- The house being airy I hope not to suffer by the confinement, it is a comfort to have Charles even for this short time.
I am reminded that it is near post time I must therefore omit saying more about thy mother except that she desires her very dear love to you. You will also accept a large share & a kiss for the darlings from
Your affectionate Father
Samuel May [signed with a flourish]
A kiss for the darlings
If I should not write tomorrow you will conclude favourably - Charles desires his love
Seal : Germanic S in a square
Address : May & Strange Postmarks : B ALDEBURGH
P.S. Ampthill 16SP16
1839
Date free text
15 Sept 1839
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From: 1839 To: 1839
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No. of pieces: 1
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