McFarland-Russell Letter, February 10, 1880

Cow Creek Newton Co Tex Feb 10th 1880

Mr R. E. Russell

Dear Sir

I receive your letter about two weeks ago, and also one to day by Mr Jones, I would have written you long ago, but have not been able to write I have had the chills and fever for two months Every day. They have generally been light, but sutch a long spell in connection with my Lung disease has reduced me very mutch and has got me very weak I missed the chill to day but had some fever I am not confined to my bed but I am not able to travel I keep up all day except while the chill is on me I rap up-- I think if I could get Shed of them I would improve I think my Lung disease is a good deal better than one or two months ago I have been horse all the time since last

Spring, but for two or three weeks back I could not talk above a wisper until now I am using some Troches and am some better. no one who sees me think I have consumption I breath easy and natural as ever I did and I have coughed more in the Last year (I think) than any body ever did You asked me if I thought my Doctor was doing me any good. I have no Idea that I would not be alive, but for that treatment. as to the Drs hear in this country they give strong medicine and the result is death pretty soon. Bob you asked about Bleakwood and a great many things I can not answer. Mr Smith has come back he came down the other day he came over to see me he said Magg had the fever. I learned from him, that Pa's health was right bad he says That place on his temple is growing very fast and that it had got into his Eye. Enough to partialy

close it. Mr Smith thinks he will be helpless before a great while; I would be glad if If I could get able to go to see him, I supose. Ed is nursing another boy They call him for Pa

Tell Kate not to grumble about hearing from home folks, with the Exception of an Evening visit from Mag, Sam is the only one of the family that has ever come to see me as offered to do any thing for me. Still I don't bother my self about it if it is there wish I hope they will Enjoy it though I would go to see Pa if I was able. Tell Kate Feriba says not to think hard of her for not writing She has not written a letter in a year Feriba has more to do than any body She has all her work to do--feed and milk the cows and see to Every thing about the place. I know Bob if I was at Orange I could get a more suitable diett and I do better with

company and if I can get these chills broke up and mind up a Little I will go down and stay with you a while.

Well Bob I am glad to know that my Town property is improving in value if it dont in looks. as to seeing it. I did not buy for that purpose, and I dont want to dispose of it at all, at this time ( any way).

My intention is to improve the property, if I get well or so far improve as to enable me to attend to it and move to it, but when that will be I cant say. my chances for getting well, is pretty slim, but still I have some hopes that I will get pull through. I thought when I bought the Lotts they were good property. I had no use for the money and if I didn't get chance to settle it it would be good property for my-- family. All join me in Love to you all.

Your friend Thos. McFarland

{Mrs R E Russel's brother}