Search

Mr. Fauntleroy is gone most of the year tending to the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey. Discusses Robert Dale Owen, regent of the Smithsonian, and the difficult work of getting the Institution running. Has begun her journey by steamboat to visit her husband, being accompanied by Alexander Dallas Bache, head of the Coast Survey. Hopes to write a book of "moral sentiments" for her children, and requests information on Syrian Jews, India, its caste system, and its relationship to England.

Letter addressed to the superintendent of the State Asylum in Utica, New York, regarding Mr. W[illia]m Bennett, an approximately 40-year-old farmer. "No earthly cause can be assigned for his present derangement – it is about two months since allarming [sic.] symptoms were discovered." Bennett was imagining his property being wasted, his family being "reduced to wretchedness," and that his neighbors despised him. Bennett attempted suicide twice – the first time with a knife and the second time by trying to drown in a spring. "The Derangement in the sistem [sic.] is manifest by witnessing now & then a spasm producing involuntary motion of the body & limbs – (his mother has been Deranged for 20 years)." Requesting that Bennett be admitted to the Utica asylum.

Regarding the Inventor’s Institute and its president Dr. Solomon Andrews. Describes Perth Amboy, the atmosphere at the Institute, and his dreams of becoming a practical mechanic. Written on a printed circular of the Inventor's Institute minutes from 19 May 1847.

Responding to news of Herrick's wife suffering with breast cancer. Acknowledges that this is a serious and deadly illness, but that there is still hope. "If your wife’s health is not altogether fallen beneath the giant ill that is preparing to drain her very life, there is ground for strong hope." Relays information from Mr. John Lord of Bangor relating to a missionary who claims to be able to cure cancer "without the use of the knife." Highlights the accomplishments of Doct. Springall of Piscataquis County, "the best surgical physician of that region." Describes the removal of an advanced cancer from a woman named Mrs. Wood's breast, leading to improvement in her health. Springall's office had moved to Bangor, and Huntting describes visiting and seeing tumors preserved in alcohol.

Relaying information regarding the physical and mental health of various family members. Their Aunt Lapham attempted to commit suicide after being supposedly recovered from “insanity” at the Worcester Insane Asylum. Aunt Stodder had fallen and broken her hip. “She has been completely broken in her mind for sometime and now utterly helpless in body.” Describes visiting Aunt Stodder and being confused for her late husband. “Every person she ever knew is as much alive to her as those who are always about her.” Briefly mentions the declining health of William Henry, but states that it is not currently serious although “his days are probably numbered.”

Responding to Pardee's request for information "concerning the treatment received from Doct Fitch for consumption," possibly in reference to Samuel Sheldon Fitch (1801-1876). Notes the use of an "inhaling tube and cold water bath," as well as various medicines for bleeding lungs, back braces, and breathing exercises.

Three bills/receipts for dental work performed by Riggs for Romanta Wells and his children. Includes fillings, extractions, and creating dentures.

Discussion of Ann Gaylord’s case of smallpox and the impact on the town. After her case was confirmed, her father came to help and take her home. She passed a week later, "not a neighbor came near the house, nobody but her father and mother were near her when she died... Mr. Gaylord said he laid Ann out, put her in the coffin, nailed it, and carried it out of doors, & followed her to the grave alone..." Gratitude that she was home for her final days. Other residents of the neighborhood avoided Nell and everyone else that had been in contact with Ann even after the house had been thoroughly cleaned. Notes other cases of smallpox in the city. Nell's father had the workers at his shop get vaccinated, and they had to take a day or two off due to the related arm pains.

Regarding patent medicine sales in Ann Arbor, particularly Osgood's Chologogue, and advice to print circulars in German for emigrants in the area. Discusses where they could sell their own chologogue and how to brand it. Describes broken bottles, wrappers, and packing boxes.

Comments on William Norris's illness and death from fits, thought to be caused by smoking.