Illness of his Daughter. 185 



benefit her. Yet John's favorable reports did not 

 satisfy me; for he has, all along, seemed almost 

 blind" to her true condition. I went up to see for 

 myself; the first glance told me that she was much 

 worse. John is not only devoted, but he is the best 

 nurse I have ever known. In Aiken she was with 

 the kindest of friends ; but she longed to be at home, 

 and we have brought her back. * 



Tell Eliza to summon all her fortitude and her 

 trust in God. Concealment of facts leads frequently 

 to deeper and more poignant sorrow than if the 

 whole truth had been, at once, revealed. Maria's 

 physicians encourage no hope and we are but 

 hoping against hope. 



Need I remind her husband, parents and sisters, 

 that in the event that will cloud our prospects with 

 deep gloom and bitter sorrows, there are yet conso- 

 lations. Think of a future state. Remember her 

 obedience, kindness, goodness, and above all, her 

 faithfulness in serving her God. 



I accompanied your father yesterday to the 

 funeral of our friend, Dr. Rham. How melan- 

 choly ! I pity his absent family with my whole heart. 



How much I regret that the situation of my own 

 family on his arrival was such, that it was impossi- 

 ble for me to take him to my home, as I had in- 

 tended. 



Mrs. Martin is not expected to survive beyond a 

 day. We are all greatly fatigued ; but are better in 

 health than could be expected, under present pain- 

 ful circumstances. Affectionately, your father, 



J. B. 

 (Enclosed in the same.) 



AUDUBON TO HIS SON VlCTOR. 



My Dear Victor: John Bach man has told all 

 that can be said with regard to our beloved Maria's 



