Nine letters between the Reid and Simpson families
written between 1816 and 1847
Contributed by Ralph Simpson
4) Richard "Duke" Simpson to his
brother-in-law, Major John Reid (4/24/1816)
Outside envelope: Richmond Ky
April 25
Majr, John Reid
Caswell Coty No. Carolina
P.Office Lenox Castle
Kentucky, Madison County, 24th April 1816
DSir,
I have taken up my pen
to write you with more reluctance than ever I experienced on any former
occasion when writing to a friend. But duty enjoins it & painfull
as the recital is I will faithfully detail it. Your son had continued
very nigh in the same condition I left him (perhaps rather declining) till
about ten or twelve days before my return, when he was violently attackted with
the Measels - that brought on him a high fever & he desired to have
Doctr. Rollins sent for, which was accordingly done & the Doctr. Has attended
him ever since & is yet attending on him.
His fever still continues tho tis now slight, his cough has ceasd. & he
spits freely & the Doctr. says all the symptoms are favourable.
But, (tho I dont wish to alarm you) I am notwithstanding the Doctors opinion,
very fearfull he is approaching his dissolution fast in a few days I shall be
able to form a better opinion & will give it to you honestly when his
fever is ok he is a chearfull as formerly, seems fond of company & conversation
when his fever is on, he sleeps almost continually, talks in his sleep &
appears to be often dreaming in his sleep, he very frequently blames himself
for bringing the Measles into my family & well say he ought not to have
done so tho I have not heard say anything xxx when awake He read yours and
Billys letters, with a great deal of satisfaction & made very particular
enquiries about his Mother & Sister. My family is well except the
Measles - & my heart is too full to write you any more. I am DSir
with sentiments of the highest consideration & respect Yr.HLeeS
P.S. I got home on Saturday the 20th
of this month-
& two weeks after the Rect. of this, your
may expect another.
|
From the John Reid Papers #3882
Southern Historical Collection, Wilson Library
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
|
|