Letter from Havana. 193 



For months, all my leisure time has been spent 

 In fancy work, that I might have something for 

 each of my friends. Tell Dr. Holbrook that I have 

 everywhere enquired for shells, and have obtained 

 quite a nice collection for him. The only shells 

 that I found myself, were among the rocks and 

 the stones at " San Pedro" scorpions live there, so I 

 was in danger of being stung all the time. The 

 people here, seem to have no taste for Natural His- 

 tory, and pass by the greatest curiosities without 

 noticing them. Mr. B. is the only exception we 

 have met with, and our visit to his delightful family, 

 is like a green spot in the desert. We left San 

 Pedro, yesterday. All suffered from sea-sickness, 

 except myself. I was able to sleep for the greater 

 part of the day, and found on our arrival at the 

 hotel in Havana, that I was well enough to help to 

 take care of the sick. Do not think that when we 

 meet, you will find no traces of disease in me ; every 

 breath I draw, convinces me that there is something 

 to be removed, before health can return. Yet, when 

 I see invalids in the last stage of disease come flock- 

 ing to this Island, I feel grateful that loving friends 

 have removed me in time, that my life may be pro- 

 longed perhaps for years. 



My mind is dwelling upon the thought, that I 

 shall take Jennie back with me to the North. It 

 was dear mother that first gave me the promise, 

 tell her to remember that I cannot bear a disap- 

 pointment; nothing will add more to my improve- 

 ment than to have her with me the walks and the 

 drives we shall take together, will serve to amuse 

 and strengthen me. You will see us in a few weeks. 



M. E. A. 



Letters to the little brother and sister were en- 

 closed. 



