"Do you wish me to learn to swim, if possible? There is a pond—a natural one—about a mile from this place. Will you not answer me soon, and give me your opinion on this and other subjects?
"In love, yours, etc.
"Samuel."
About a month later, viz., July 18, he wrote thus:
"My dear Doctor:—Five months and a half without a symptom! I have not the slightest feeling to remind me of my old attacks. Should I not be thankful?
"A short time since, I had a very sore stomach. It got out of order, I think, in consequence of eating too much. I broke off, went a day without nothing to eat; eat less now, and feel well. When Mrs. —— was here, she told me she thought I might eat all I craved. I did so, and suffered the consequences, though I cured myself.
"There is a place here in the woods where raspberries are so thick that people get six quarts at a time. Apples are nearly ripe. Pears will soon succeed them.
"Yours truly,
"Samuel."