Letter

Your notes of the 6th, 9th, 13th, & 22nd were dearly received, with
pleasure and refreshment of spirit. Mr – was here yesterday; but, not expecting a
visit so soon again, I had prepared nothing to send. Having suffered considerably
of late from pain in the sides, growing out of the condition of the bilious apparatus, I
devoted Friday last to the application of the appropriate remedies, emetics & bleed-
ing, and have followed up today with a powerful cathartic of senna & cream of tartar;
and, though weakened by the process, I feel so much relieved as to hope to be able
to keep along till liberation time with tolerable comfort. The phlebotomy was
performed by a Whig doctor (Philip Anthony) who has been confined here for a year
for stealing somebody’s great coat, under the influence of rum. It was not thought
worth while by me to give the underkeeper (the warden being in New York) the trouble
of sending for Dr Brownell, who does not appear to be so much of a man, certainly
not so much of a physician as his brother Anthony, who performed, &, afterward,
presented well, secondum artem without fee or reward! – Dr A. has once before
been called upon in another case when Brownell was not able to “raise a vein”. You must
not set me down as very unwell, on account of their proceedings, but as taking
the necessary shifts for holding on longer. Mr – no doubt sufficiently explained matters
yesterday; and I need not enlarge on this point.

I am glad to hear that F. is in so much better spirits, in con-
sequence of an increased prospect of liberation; but it will not be well to feel too
sanguine. The power of the Whigs is great in this state, and they mean to enforce
it to the utmost at the coming election. On the other hand, the floating portion
of the democrats of R.I., as experience has so unhappily shown, are little to be depended upon
in a close contest. They are frightened, coaxed or purchase too easily for men de-
serving to have rights in a free country. The money power seems to be somewhat
divided. This is a favorable indication. Mr B. speaks confidently; but he gives
no calculations at large and leans all to faith. One word I wish you to correct in
your last. The democrats of this state are not doing an act of generosity, but

When I sent the bread, it was with a request that it might
be preserved as a specimen of the daily quantity received by me. I also stated
that the piece was cut small at my request, as I consume but little. You
overlooked this passage when you inquired if I had bread enough, as if I
were kept short by the warden, and when you judged it best to apply to the
inspectors for more. By reading your letters as often as time will permit,
I am sure to get your meaning. – the officers only wear hats here.
A hat upon a prisoner would look too much like walking off! So I cannot
comply with your request to exercise in a hat. Boots are equally out
of fashion here. Money is not so much as heard of. It would be useless.

I regretted to hear of the death of Simons. He enjoyed life much;
was useful to his family & beloved by them. I have rendered him
considerable service first and last, without any return for it. But no matter
for that.

I wish you the return of many happy 12th days of March, my dear
M. and much prosperity. Looking forward with peace and preparation of spirit
to a better world, you are so much the better qualified to enjoy all
that is really valuable in this. I do not like to hear you speak of your
being so old. Time has dealt kindly with you; and I must will con-
tinue so to do.

I have not yet read in the Herald the article you
speak of relating to Cleveland & Brownell! –

Excuse this poor letter I pray you. I have to write to Mr B.
a few times this evening; and I feel as if I ought to be in bed (9 o’clock).

My love to F.
Yours most truly, T. W. D.