Search

Writing to her brother and sister in Grandville, Michigan, regarding Daniel’s case of smallpox. Notes members of the family who were vaccinated. Explains that their mother did not believe that Gertrude was sick from the varioloid and took no precautions, resulting in Daniel catching it from her. Describes Daniel praying with family before he “lost his reason” and reports that he went insane three days before he passed away. Neighbors were afraid, and the family was left with no help. Newborn infant was also infected, along with other members of the family, including young Mary who died. Fannie feels this was merciful, as Mary would have been “an idiot and lame” if she had survived. Note from H. D. Scudder states that if he were to move West, mother wouldn’t come as she “thinks the dead are as dear as the living.”

Description of Yeomans’s history with Dr. P. G. Fitch, a patient at the asylum, and requests information on his case. Fitch had fallen ill and during his convalescence showed signs of insanity. Becomes agitated, harried, incoherent, and increasingly violent. Notes the efforts to remedy him, including medicine and blisters, to little effect.

Alarmed that Joseph visited after being exposed to Scarlet Fever, noting its lethality. "If I was thee I would not have him to work for me any more at preasent, for he comes up there twice a day, and brings it with him every time. I would not like to have him come neare the place once a week with it, let alone twice a day. I would rather pay two men to work than one doctor, and if you all get it, thee will have a tremendious doctors bill to pay." Expresses fear of contagion.

Requesting articles from Pierson for the Physio-Medical Recorder, a “radical Reform Medical paper” advocating the rights of women to medical education. Pierson had formerly supplied articles for the Journal of Medical Reform.

Bills due for maintenance of patients from Cumberland County. Lists individuals, items, costs.

Discusses a possible map of Cincinnati. Describes the character and nationality of the people of Cincinnati and Kentucky.

Letter from Clements, Superintendent, written by Hen T. Koehne, Assistant Physician, on illustrated Southern Ohio State Insane Asylum, featuring an image of the exterior of the asylum and its grounds. Authorizing Smith "for ordering the removal of Michael Madden… He has been restored to perfect reason." Item arrived with American Philatelic Society description of the envelope stamp: "United States Scott No.11A, brownish carmine color of 1856, position 92L5L, used on cover with corner ad, genuine, sulphurized color."

Describes construction of a lighthouse at Minot’s Ledge. Gives specifications, cost, and difficulties faced. Discusses the family he boards with, newspapers, and briefly notes the politics of Fillmore and Fremont.

Requesting Chinese sugar cane seeds. Received "a package from you containing various kinds of garden seeds & an Agricultural Report-- The one I mentioned was the illustrated mechanical."

Wishes she could visit, but is deterred by the "fever and flux…raging in your neighborhood." Invites him to come visit instead.