The Johns Hopkins Hospital July 1st.
Lady dear,
It has been a long time indeed since I've written you on paper. My thoughts turn to you very often. I've suspected much your letter contained about the companion situation. Your patience and gentleness in the midst of it all are even before me like shining lights in my own cloudy days. Every year I appreciate your true worth more, and am grateful you find enough in me to call me friend.
I have refrained from writing because of an unsettledness in the atmosphere which has seemed about to clear from day to day, but never does. Just now I am sinking back in the cosy chair of indifference and letting things go. By virtue of the same atmospheric pressure Dr. Meyer is staying here all summer for the first time in years. It is a distinct sacrifice, for the heat plays havoc with his soul and body. Since the first of May I have been doing two people's work, but now we've had to close a ward for July & August because of a dearth of nurses.
From June 19th - 23rd Margaret & I took the Maryland State Board Exams. - some nine in all. They were hot & dusty. The first four were on subjects which I had in Wisconsin (Anatomy, Physio, Pharmacology, Chem (organic, inorganic, & physiological.)[)] Had they been given by any of our men I should be fairly sure of making good, but the gods alone know what these examiners call "sound medicine." The Anatomy, for instance, was given by a dilapidated oculist of 70. Well, they are gone, and seem far behind me. It was a bit of a strain at the time to take them & keep up my ward work.
Our House situation is all in the air for next year. Two of our men have gone, & the Resident, Dr. Hall, is signed up for a Psychiatric unit, and might just as well be there for all the work he has done since May 1st. One of our men is in California looking after a wealthy case of Dr. Meyer's who if tactfully handled may leave us an endowment. If Dr. Hall goes Augusta Scott would be in line for Resident. But the Hospital management do not want a woman as Resident. So here we are, Dr. Meyer, Drs. Scott & Hall & the Hospit. management all sitting waiting to see whose turn it is to move first. If the management forces the recall of this Col. man before Dec. Augusta will not stay & work under him. In the meantime nothing will be decided till the Psychiatric unit is called, so here we are.
As to my own job. It had all been settled that I was to attend to the bedside teaching of students on the ward, & do outside work in a school district in town, and live outside the Hosp. As it is I have got to modify this program so as to live in the Hosp. at least till Jan. 1st. I am to have two days a week for psychiatric work in the school district, and attend to the teaching. I don't expect to have charge of any ward, but to keep an eye on all four on the woman's side. I have a Univ. J.H. appointment as Assist. Instructor in Psychiatry; and a J.H.H. appoint. as 1st assist. Resident Physician. The school work is done on some fellowship basis - just what I don't know. Of course I am disappointed that I have to return to live in the house next year, for I am very tired of the responsibilities of resident house life i.e. settlign disputes between
[Rest of the letter is missing]