Letter from Emma Stebbins to Emma Crow Cushman, Sep 11, [1869]

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[3776] My dear Emma.
We have no letter from you this morning. which gives us a little anxiety. you have been so punctual all along-
perhaps you may be preparing to come. Our dear patient seems to feel that you are coming. but I think you could give us a little notice if you were. she had a better night last night without any opiate. and +++ have gone on well. but that towards 4 oclock [sic] this morning [?] she broke out with purpose
perspiration which continued

[3776 reverse] over the morning & made her very uncomfortable. as is usual too when the effects of opiates are giving off, she seemed very low & much discouraged about herself, of course when she loses courage, we all run down too. and when Prof Spence came, (as we have had some drawback to contend with nearly every day) I was not surprised when he discovered that an abscess had formed just where the Erysipelas had first shown

[3777] itself. between her chest & right shoulder. this he proceeded to lance. giving her much pain. and of course frightening us almost to death. If I had written to you immediately after that. you would have had but a gloomy bulletin [?]. but Mr James. who came in later either was not. or could not appear to be troubled about her. he said her pulse & her colour [?] was better. that she must have patience as long as suppuration continued she could only get

[3777 reverse] on slowly. but that she was doing very well. We said to him. "do you really think so Sir James"?. To which he replied. quite earnestly. "if I did not. would na say so"–. I am so glad to be able to tell [?] you this and to take the +++ of it to my own +++
but it is almost impossible to watch these days & nights of suffering & keep up a good heart. mine is sick with [?] suspense & anxiety. Sallie will write you later.
affectly [affectionately] yours
ES