[The recipient of this letter was Hannah Chickering Briggs. Her daughter was Mary Balch Briggs x1857.]
Ipswich, Sept. 3. 1828.
My much valued friend,
(For your kindness and attention gives me liberty to call you by that endearing appellation,) with pleasure I sit down to think of you, to write to you and particularly to convey to you, intelligence respecting our beloved Miss Grant.
The letter I wrote you last week, you have probably received, but as Miss G.'s situation is in a measure changed Miss Lyon thought it was desirable you should have early intelligence. When I wrote you, Miss G's symptoms were considered favorable and we thought her fever abating, but on Saturday and Sabbath we were obliged to relinquish these fondly cherished hopes. She has been sinking since that time and connected with increasing fever and debility, are symptoms unfavorable. She is considered in some degree dangerously sick. During her sickness, her mind has been much weakened, occasionally wandering, during sleep and some time after awaking, and for 24 hours past, it has wandered during her sleeping and waking hours most of the time.
This may be owing in part to weakness and no attempt is made to bring her mind to a point to understand passing events, but merely a simple remark to quiet her.
Dr. Gardner of Ipswich has been her attending physician, Dr Gardner of Lynn has been called in as counsel and probably some other counsel will be called soon.
Miss G. has an excellent nurse, and I believe every attention desirable. The school proceeds with usual regularity, the labors of the remaining teachers, as you will fully realize are much increased. In view of these things Mrs. Briggs we feel assured of your interest, your sympathy and your prayers. As regards the designs of our Heavenly Father towards us, we should feel that he does all things well and prepare and quietly wait for the manifestation of his will, whether he comes to save or destroy, and in his hands we need not fear; all things work together for good those who love him.
I sat up with Miss G. last night, it is indeed a trial to think her usefulness is suspended and to see that mind we have so often admired, depressed, enfeebled and prostrated.
Dear Mrs. B. I could write much longer and say much more about your family did time permit, remember me to them severally and all the kind Dedham people, who inquire for me[.]
If you do not visit us, do write soon, a letter from you would be received with gratitude by your very affectionate friend,
F. [Frances] E. Knowlton.
[Frances Knowlton graduated from Ipswich Female Seminary in 1829 and became a teacher there.]
[handwriting change]
Thurs. noon.
My dear Mrs. Briggs,
I know it to be very important that you hear very frequently from our very, very dear friend. I requested Miss Knowlton to write, but I will add a few words. Miss Grant frequently spoke of you in the early part of her sickness, but now she says nothing regularly about any one. She has, however, said a few sentences to me today, which were to me very precious, though I was not certain whether she fully realized what she said. If you should see her now, she would know you, but how much more I know not. I have generally been able by speaking to her directly, to lead her to understand, & realize any subject till yesterday. We do not now attempt to lead her to collect her mind at all, as it is so important she is kept quiet. We mention her case daily to the school nearly as it is, but we think it undesirable that they should know that her mind is wandering. We are careful to obtain prudent watchers.
Doct Gardner of Lynn called to see Miss Grant by his son's request, being accidentally in town. If we have further counsel, I have a particular desire that Doct. Farrar should come. This is thought most advisable by Doct Gardner, & other judicious friends. Today it has thought
adviss thatby Mr. Heard, & some of the other trustees, that it might be most judicious to send for a physician in Boston to meet Doct F.- probably Doct. Warren. This will be decided this afternoon.When our dear sister has been able to think & converse, she has expressed the greatest desire, that she might be purified, & that her school might be saved. I think she has been ripening for heaven, & it seems to me, that she will soon go home, but she may have a great work on earth yet to perform. My dear friend, I am deeply afflicted, but not cast down, but on my mind, &, more especially on my heart, there rests a uniform indescribable weight.
Yours in love
Mary Lyon.Do write & let me know that you hear from us. I do not know of any thing that Miss Grant needs that she does not have.
[Zilpah Grant went on to live many more years. She passed away in 1874.]