“Both Sarah Graff and Grandma sat by the bed all night and the house was full of folks”

Utica

September 21, 1880

Dear Sister,

I received your letter this noon.  Mother is getting along slow now but she is a great deal better.  Last Friday she was so low that the folks was afraid.  Both Sarah Graff and Grandma sat by the bed all night and the house was full of folks. I was going to send for you, but Grandma said to wait till morning and see how she was, and when the morning came she was a great deal better and the Doctor says the worst part is past, although she may have more fever.

The only trouble we had was in getting folks to stay there. Grandma was taken sick with the cholera Saturday night and we had to send for Sarah Graff.   Aunt Malley has sat up a few nights.  Mrs. Graham sat up 1 night.   Just as I am writing this, Aunt Rosa has come up, so I guess we will get along all right. 

There is a great many people here who has the malarial fever, and very dangerous.   Mrs. Gotting in West Utica died day before yesterday with it, and Hannah, Elijha Cummins’ wife, has got it and is staying at Mrs [Mellars?].

Now don’t worry, for the Doctor says Mother is getting along splendid.  I will write again in a day or so.  Now you write, for a letter seems to cure her, this is all.

Yours Ever

Will

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