Letter from Jennie Reed to Friends at Home and Reed Children, October 9, 1866

In this letter from October 9, 1866, Jennie Reed, wife of Samuel Reed, writes from Omaha, Nebraska to friends at home and the Reed children describing Samuel's ill health. She states that he has improved somewhat, though his symptoms linger. They hope "in a day or two there will be a decided change for the better." She tells the children to behave themselves and gives instructions for their care.

Mrs Reed's Illness

Omaha
Tuesday 9th 1866.

My Dear Friends at Home & to my Darling Children,

I sent you word yesterday that Papa was a little better. His symptoms continue the same to day [sic] . The Dr. thinks that his improvement is somewhat encouraging altho [sic] very slow. The bloody discharges are held in check and he sleeps easily most of the time. I have not written so as to send it to day [sic] but will send it early in the morning with a pescript [sic] . I have just returned from a little walk to Mrs. Snyders where I ate a very fine apple. This reminds me of little Mary's desire for apples, & I hope if the continues billious [sic] you will give her podophiline [sic] [mercuring] over so she will feel well & eat apples a reasonable number without making her sick or feel poorly. There is a great deal of sickness here of a billious [sic] character.

Pray take a carthartic [sic] or anything rather than get sick. I am well satisfied with the physician if he was only homeopathy. Dr. Hoster if he was only here. Dear Papa has just woke up after a refreshing sleep & I am going to make him a cup of English breakfast tea from Mr. Nave, the same as he sent me. He is here as Mr. King is ill with thy [sic] typhoid fever. He has only called to enquire [sic] & talk about about [sic] Mr. Reed "and nothing more."

I believe Rollin is coming in on business tomorrow or next day. He does not know how Samuel is ill that we know of. We thought best not to let him know as Erastus & Mr. Boyle are enough to help take care of Pappa [sic] , at present. We think in a day or two there will be a decided change for the better. Kisses to my dear little girls, & love to Arthur with the hope & belief that he is trying hard to do right as Aunt Jennie desired in parting from him. Pray observe true politeness at all times, at table & elsewhere with the children. And strive to have them regular at Sunday school & church for Arthur & Anne if possible, but do not think of leaving the house alone entirely. Do not be alone [neither] for your time with the children in teaching Anne & 1866 JE Reed reading is much more than in washing dishes. Get for Mary's reading "Peep of Day" & also "line upon line." Do not fail to get them the first time cousin does to Chicago at the [Hact] Bookstore in Clark street. Mr. Durant & party will be at Chicago about the 16 or 17, or 18th of the month, & at 6 & [?] the 20th. Mr. Frost [sic] family, [Mary Renton], Col Seymoren, Mr. Boyle & myself go to the restaurant for our meals together & D casement & wife. Only I do not go but once a day, as I have no appetite. I may have tomorrow. Genl Casement wife has a fine son. Also Mrs. Allen. Everyone are enquiring [sic] for you. The house is in a state of confusion except our rooms with his furniture for us until Mr. B is established. I believe I told you Mr. Reddick was married in the church to Miss Mary last night. [Have] my [direct] strings purchased either yourself or Mrs. Hill, nice ones & a border & face trimming to match and send it when I request you by express. I must close. Good bye [sic] .

Your aff Mamma, Sister, Aunt, & Cousin
Jennie E. Reed.