Georgiana Abbot to her sister Elizabeth (Abbot) Bowditch, 11 February 1848

[From Georgiana Abbot in Beverly, Massachusetts, to her sister Elizabeth (Abbot) Bowditch in Tarboro, North Carolina. She describes the death of their house servant Cora, and their fears for their brother George's safety due to a strong storm.

Addressed to "Mrs. Joseph H. Bowditch, Tarboro, N. Carolina, Feb'y 12th" and postmarked "Beverly Ms., 12 Feb."]

Beverly February 11th, 1848

My dear Sister,

After receiving this letter from home you will shrink from opening another, fearing to see some bad news. How surprised you will be when I tell you that Cora1 is dead! She has been complaining of a lame leg for a week, and has been in bed all the time, but well apparently in every other respect, not any sick stomach or fever. Ma2 gave her some medicine in the first of it, and applied [_____] jugs and other things for Rheumatism, supposing that she had taken cold in some way. Grandma3 rubbed her every day too. She said that Cora had taken cold, and had what they called swelled Rheumatism, it was quite common.

Yesterday morning Ma found upon going up to her that she wasn't so well. The pain had moved to her knee, and her leg was drawn up so that it couldn't be straightened. She sent for grandma immediately. She worked upon her all day, not dreaming that it was any thing serious. In the afternoon she began to grow sicker, and Ma sent for the Dr. He immediately said that she would not live long. She had no pulse then. We were terribly surprised. He said that had he been called in the first of it, he should have had pursued the same course that Ma did, but nothing would have saved her. He had had one or two similar cases, both proved fatal, and every one that he had heard of had proved fatal. She died at 10 o'clock this forenoon. She had no senses for some time before she died, and died a hard death. What will come next. I don't know whose turn it will be next. Two such sudden deaths in three weeks, and both so singularly sick. She will be buried tomorrow at 4 o'clock.

We have been very anxious about George4 since the 1st of February when we had a violent storm, and all the week it seemed to be nothing but snow storms. Ma got so nervous that she really brought herself to believe that she should hear of his shipwreck, but Tuesday brought George well and safe. He had a very bad time on the coast, and when he got to the wharf the first news was Pa's5 death. It shocked him dreadfully. I never saw him so moved. I was glad to see it, hope it will make a lasting impression on him. He is now in Boston, and he has been again surprised to hear of Cora's death. Tuesday we only supposed her complaining of rheumatism. I hardly think he will be down to the funeral. Why have we not had a letter from you. Hope you are well. Do write soon. I can't stop now to write any more. Thought I would just let you know of our trouble. Good bye dear E. Kiss Thanny6 for me and write soon.

Your affectionate sister

Georgiana

P. S. We received your letter in answer to the Drs also Mr. Cheshires.7

G.

  1. Cora (?) (abt 1822-1848)
  2. Nancy Stickney (1796-1851)
  3. Edith Wallis (1774-1855)
  4. George William Abbot (1825-1861), Georgiana and Elizabeth's brother
  5. George Abbot (1791-1848)
  6. Nathaniel Ingersoll Bowditch (1846-1913), Elizabeth's son
  7. Joseph Blount Cheshire (1814-1899)