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lieved us by saying that all their alarming symptoms had
been occasioned by some disorganization of his blood
vessels, that all those black spots were the opening of
veins in the skin & that he was bleeding as much internally
as he was from his mouth. That it was not contagious
was a great relief. And we felt content to part with poor
Frank if with him this awful complaint would cease.
Thou throughout the whole the poor boy is composed
quiet & uncomplaining — all he seems to care for is
some thing to eat. We let him have whatever he fancies
& strange to say he is not only alive but the bleeding is
less. What I should have done had I been alone all
this time I know not. My dear Cousin & her good hus-
-band are devoted to my sick - Mr. Woolley leaves me
tomorrow but our dear Cousin will remain a
short time longer with me. They had intended starting
for the North by the 1^st of July. May God! bless & reward
them for their devotion to my poor suffering negros [sic] —

Your dear little brothers are quite well - poor little
fellows they have had a long holiday now, for of
course I have no time to attend to their lessons —

I am distressed at not having heard from either of
you by the last mail - you must not neglect to write
to my me my darlings - for I need all the comfort your
letters can give me. I cannot bear the idea of bringing
you home in July, or August. I must try & find the
means of keeping you all at the North until it will
be safe for you to return home - This is my present
feeling—Oh! my Florence if you were here you would