
          squan Village, N.J. [inserted in a diffeernt ink: [Dec.]] 13th 1848.


 Dear Doctor.


 It is a long time since I have written
 to you or any of my old correspondnets. This is not by any
 means from want of regard, but I am driven about day
 and night with professional duties and I find it necessary
 if a moment of time is afforded to pore over my
 medical tomes to revive my medical lore - At least to
 examine such cases as occur in my daily rounds among
 my patients. - Just now I am in a bad fix - There
 have been cases of samll pox in our vicinity and I
 have been called upon to vaccinate a number of
 families and others are impatiently waiting to have
 their children vaccinated - The matter I have used
 has failed and my competitor is gathering a rich
 harvest all about me. - If you can procure me some
 fresh matter and send by the bearer or by mail I
 shall be greatly obliged. - Some time since you
 kindly offered to send me some numbers of the Lancet -
 I should be most happy to receive them If convenient they
 may be sent by the bearer - or put on board the Steam
 Boat Orus, to my address care of E. Hight, Stage Driver


 I have just now on hand an ugly case of Gun.shot,
 wound of the hand in which a portion of the hand
 is blown away. I will tell you more of it when it 
 gets well. - My family is well as usual. -My regards
 to Mrs. Torrey and the Children, Hastings, friend Holton


 Most respectfully yours


 P.D.Knieskern
  
        