p.

Medford. 6th, mo. 4th. 1861.
My own dear mother — Willie and all — I find
but little to make an interesting letter— but
know you will be glad to hear how Tim is drift-
ing this child along. Last seventh day I sent a let-
ter to Horace giving an account of my [viost?] to the
Drs Perkins— presume you have seen it— so shall
not need to respect [can?] account of the precedings
there— Am taking the medicine faithfully— and
have strong hopes it is just what I need— it is
certainly having great effect upon me some way—
my stomach is so back— and I am so bad all over
suppose I must'nt expect to get well in a day—
my head feels clear— and my feet trouble me
with burning more than being cold, since ta-
king the medicine, so it seems my blood has
taken a start in the right direction.
4th, day morning. A bright lovely day— and the
first one that I can say I realy am feeling
better since taking the new medicine— it has
made me feel miserable enough— so weak and
sort of sickish all over— Melinda was here yester-
day and said twas having just the desired
effect— if it was going to help me in the end
must expect to feel badly at first, while it
was plowing up the foul weeds of disease.
It seems very soothing— no appetite yet—
and can eat only light [baler's] bread— but am
very thankful to eat that and not have it
distress me. Am feeling so comfortable today, feel
very much encouraged— but willing to trust all
to the care of One who knows what is best for me.
Am stopping this week at Charles Caldwell's—
he came home today with the comforting as-
surance there was a letter for Mary L. Pertnam
at the P.O. wanted to know if that was my
name— so shall have to wait till night—
if I can. How earnestly I hope it will tell me
you are all well— hope poor little Howard's
ear has got over aching— love to him and the
rest over the ridge— if you have a chance— you