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Erith

Sept. 2. 61

Dear Uncle Henry

My Mother, being constantly occupied in attending to my poor Father, has begged me to answer your kind letter –

There has been no great change during the last day or two, though perhaps he gets gradually weaker – The fits of utter prostration w^h occur at intervals are always moments of great uncertainty, & we cannot but feel at these times that life may be trembling in the balance – He has however hitherto rallied from them most wonderfully, & his voice & intellect, are even now, at times, as clear & strong as ever.

My Mother He is very calm & quiet; quite prepared, &, though resigned to whatever may be God’s will, desirous not to linger –

My Mother has had fearfully little rest lately, but bears up wonderfully well, both in strength & spirit.

Believe me your aff^te nephew

Valletort

I may add that although it may be a sign of increasing weakness, it is still a great comfort to my Father that during the last 24 hours he has slept had more natural ly more sleep than all the opiates have for long been able to produce.