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 

 w^hole 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 ali, 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 

 hei^lth than could be expected, under present pain- 

 ful circumstances. AfFectionatelv, vour father, 



J. B. 

 {Enclosed in the same.) 



Audubon to his son Victor. 



My Dear Victor : John Bachman has told all 

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



