Pages
page_0001
Cleveland 26th May, 1856.
Dr,, Robt,, Kennicott.
Dear Sir
Embarassments & troubles of various kinds have so much interrupted me during the past year that I have entirely thrown aside my Natural History studies and dropped my correspondence -
The Erysipelas, last season shocked my nervous system so much that I cannot endure the amount of mental effort which was formerly no [illegible]. During the winter my duties at the Med. College were much increased by the sickness & afflictions of Prof St John & the habits of one other of my collegues and I am now trying to rest from all efforts - Constant sickness in the vicinity has however reluctantly drawn me agan into practice - In my own family one or more has been constantly on the sick list for a year - At this time Mrs K - has the ague - Mrs Pease has returned from the East very infirm - Hugh has the palsy - & my hired man, Tubucler in the lungs - of course little besides can receive attention Natural History is out of the question - My New Green House & garden receive all my leisure moments which between company & professional calls are not very abundant -
We shall have a few peaches - some cherries, a
page_0002
medium crop of pears, & apples in abundance - My ornamental plants & shrubs very little hurt by the winter - Magnolias have been splendid - What are you engaged in? - Do not fail to send Reptiles to Prof Holbrook to discharge the obligations for his work. -
I hear incidentally that yr Father has been ill - Is he improving? -
Have you seen Dr LeContes monograph of the Cicindellii? My best regards to yr Family generally & [illegible]. -
A curse, on your Illinois Traitor - He has [illegible smeared] involved the union in Civil war - which will eventuate in the ruin of our free Institutions.
Very truly Yrs J. P. Kirtland