[1]

5 PM Weds 16th

Dear Annie was made better, my dear Mrs Darwin; tho' Dr. G. says she is not out of danger; still he sees many good signs; in fact he says he has seen many children younger than she is where they have been in a state of stupor for three days, & yet they have recovered; Annie's excitable temperament is his only

[continued from 6:]

as it suits you best, there will be room for Mr. D. I trust you keep pretty well.

With Etty's love to all, C. A. T. Ever yours

Wednesday 5. P. M

[2]

reason to make him fear. We passed a most anxious night but she got over 3 o'clock A.M. very well which Dr. G. told me was the critical time; Dr. G. thinks her decidedly better to-day, he had been twice; & comes again at 7. We are giving her now a dessert spoon of white wine every hour, & a medicine he prescribed last night, these

[3]

two things she has taken for the last 18 hours; the wine wrought wonders at first, but of course that great effect must fail in after a few doses. – I have just enjoyed feeding her with some orange juice which the dear child thoroughly relished. I long to see Mr. D. tho' we fear he may be very much affected

[4]

by the sad intelligence of yesterday. Where there is life there is hope & I cannot help hoping even more than this morn, particularly as she has passed 3 o'clock P.M. so well; which was the time she became worse yesterday. – Dr. G. is truly kind, it is impossible to be more so.

Poor Brodie feels it deeply but still bears up. I gave way sadly

[5]

on learning first Dr. G. opinion but I am wonderful to-day.

Dear Etty is amusing herself with her new doll, beads &c. She is very anxious about the dear child Annie. I am sure you must be most desirous to be here, but rest assured that all I can any way do for the dear girl, has been & shall continue to be done. – There

[6]

is nothing more I can say of Annie as she has been about the same all the morn, dozing a good deal & her mind wanders at times but this is not to be wondered at a from the quantity of wine she has taken, all fever is removed which is a great thing. Make any use you please of Mamma's offer as I know she will be glad that you do

[see conclusion on 1]

[7]

Mrs Darwin

Care of Mr Acton

Post Office Bromley Kent

 

If not called to please despatch by special messenger

 

1st account

Thursday evg. [in ED's writing]