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Version: 4 (current) | Updated: 12/9/2025, 9:53:34 PM | Created: 12/9/2025, 7:40:14 PM
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@julia_martin_health_updates:collection {title: "Julia Martin Health Updates Collection", creator: [@alice_austen, @julia_t_martin, @ed_van_rensselaer, @elizabeth_b_strong, @daisy, @trude_eccleston, @elizabeth_e_jenkins, @mr_white, @cw_osgood, @charles_jewett_collins, @a_w_martin], institution: @alice_austen_house, created: @date_1898, language: "en", subjects: ["Correspondence","Health updates","Victorian-era social life","Family relationships","Illness","Recovery","Photography","Social events","Sympathy letters","Medical treatment"]}
@file_pinax:file {title: "Alice Austen Family Papers: Julia Martin Health Updates Collection", type: "Metadata", source: "PINAX"}
@file_1898_letters:file {type: "text", description: "Transcribed letters from 1898"}
@alice_austen:person {full_name: "Elizabeth Alice Austen", birth: @date_1866, death: @date_1952, occupation: "photographer", residence: @staten_island}
@julia_t_martin:person {full_name: "Julia T. Martin", relationship: "close friend of Alice Austen", residence: @albany}
@ed_van_rensselaer:person {full_name: "E.D. Van Rensselaer", role: "correspondent"}
@elizabeth_b_strong:person {full_name: "Elizabeth B. Strong", role: "correspondent"}
@daisy:person {full_name: "Daisy", role: "correspondent"}
@trude_eccleston:person {full_name: "Trude Eccleston", role: "correspondent"}
@elizabeth_e_jenkins:person {full_name: "Elizabeth E. Jenkins", role: "correspondent"}
@mr_white:person {full_name: "MR White", role: "correspondent"}
@cw_osgood:person {full_name: "CW Osgood", role: "correspondent"}
@charles_jewett_collins:person {full_name: "Charles Jewett Collins", role: "correspondent"}
@a_w_martin:person {full_name: "A.W. Martin", role: "correspondent"}
@caroline_m_sweet:person {full_name: "Caroline M. Sweet", role: "correspondent"}
@walton_martin:person {full_name: "Walton Martin", role: "correspondent"}
@eleanor_e_coleman:person {full_name: "Eleanor E. Coleman", role: "correspondent"}
@staten_island:place {state: "New York", country: @united_states}
@newburgh:place {state: "New York", country: @united_states}
@new_brunswick:place {state: "New Jersey", country: @united_states}
@albany:place {state: "New York", country: @united_states}
@new_york_city:place {state: "New York", country: @united_states}
@los_angeles:place {state: "California", country: @united_states}
@washington_dc:place {country: @united_states}
@fishkill_on_hudson:place {state: "New York", country: @united_states}
@boltons_landing:place {state: "New York", country: @united_states}
@alaska:place {country: @united_states}
@julia_martin_appendicitis:event {when: @date_1898, description: "Julia Martin suffered appendicitis, underwent surgery, and recovered"}
@ed_van_rensselaer -> wrote -> @alice_austen {date: @date_1898_01_26, subject: "mother's illness, sympathy"}
@daisy -> wrote -> @alice_austen {date: @date_1898_01_26, subject: "hospital note, offer of help"}
@elizabeth_e_jenkins -> wrote -> @alice_austen {date: @date_1898_01_27, subject: "sympathy for mother's sudden illness"}
@trude_eccleston -> wrote -> @alice_austen {date: @date_1898_01_27, subject: "concern for mother's health, gossip caution"}
@caroline_m_sweet -> wrote -> @alice_austen {date: @date_1898_02_05, subject: "mother's rapid recovery"}
@mr_white -> wrote -> @alice_austen {date: @date_1898_02_21, subject: "mother's health, other illnesses (rheumatism, pneumonia)"}
@cw_osgood -> wrote -> @alice_austen {date: @date_1898_02_24, subject: "seance invitation"}
@eleanor_e_coleman -> wrote -> @alice_austen {date: @date_1898_03_04, subject: "Julia Martin's appendicitis, upcoming operation"}
@charles_jewett_collins -> wrote -> @alice_austen {date: @date_1898_03_09, subject: "photography assistance and advice"}
@walton_martin -> wrote -> @alice_austen {date: @date_1898_03_14, subject: "operation outcome for Julia, invitation for dinner"}
@eleanor_e_coleman -> wrote -> @alice_austen {date: @date_1898_03_17, subject: "Julia improving after surgery"}
@charles_jewett_collins -> wrote -> @alice_austen {date: @date_1898_03_22, subject: "photography challenges and cottage visit"}
@julia_t_martin -> wrote -> @alice_austen {date: @date_1898_04_11, subject: "her own health, appendicitis, recovery, travel plans"}
@julia_t_martin -> mentioned -> @julia_martin_appendicitis:event {when: @date_1898, context: "her own surgery and recovery"}
@alice_austen -> received -> @julia_martin_appendicitis:event {through: [@julia_t_martin, @eleanor_e_coleman, @walton_martin, @charles_jewett_collins]}
@alice_austen -> photographed -> @photograph:document {type: "photograph", subject: "Victorian social events", date_range: {start: @date_1898, end: @date_1898}}1898 Jan 2: [Box 21D] Postmark Newburgh, NY Matteawan, My dear Lolla, How sweet and thoughtful of you to send me the unique [A picture containing document Description automatically generated]clock? Calendar – it has been so much admired. Mine has of course been a very sad Christmas and your little love token helped to make it less lonely – Thank you for it dear. I wish you all a very happy New Year. I hope you have the… … snow we have and good sleighing and skating. Do let me hear from you sometimes with much love to you both ever your affectionate cousin, E.D. Van Rensselaer Jan 26: Sent c/o Mrs. Townsend at 77 Park Ave. [Box 21D] New Brunswick / Jan 26th ‘98 Dear Alice – I was so sorry to hear of your mother’s illness. But I hope it is only temporary, and that she will soon be quite restored. You were not with her I imagine, from what you say in your letter. Can realize how alarmed you must have been on receiving the news. What was the cause… … of the illness? Had your mother not been well before? Mother sends love and hopes Mrs Austen will soon be better. Do send us word, just a postal if you have time for no more, for you know we are interested. I am greatly disappointed that you cannot come for the concert. If you find at the last minute that your mother… … is well enough for you to leave her come along. Etta is in New York once more, at the Cambridge. Fifth Ave. and 33rd St. they stayed in England only a short time, being called home by business, probably something to do with the estate. Of course you know Mr McCauley died in December, just a week before Etta and family had expected to sail. In anticipation of spending the winter abroad they had rented their apartment in 34th Street, so of course they had to find another. I have not seen Etta since her return, but had a few lines for her the other day. Give my love to your mother please and with much for yourself, believe me Aff’ly yours, Elisabeth B. Strong. Jan 26: [Box 21D] letterhead: The Berkeley Gymnasium for Women and Children. Carnegie Hall. Dr. Mary Taylor Bissell, Medical Director Dr. Matilda K Wallin, Associate Medical Director Miss Delia M. Elliott, Gymnasium Director New York, Wed. AM, 1898 My dear Darling, your note from the hospital just received and I am concerned indeed for you. I hope you will be let me know at once if I can help you in any possible way – I will put anything else aside if I can do something for you or your mother. If I may call on you, let me know and I will, and if you can get in here please come. I am anxious to know more. I am … … very sorry darling – I don’t like any trouble coming to you. Let me help you, and tell me more that I may know just how things stand. I will write again today – late. Shall be in town tonight at Miss Lawrence’s. Shall be at the gym all day tomorrow – even at lunch time. I think I shall deliver this myself at 77 Park Ave on the chance of seeing you; but do not expect you to see me if you prefer not. Lovingly yours, Daisy P.S. I shall be at the gym this evening at 8 o’clock for almost an hour 1898_1-26-1898 Jan 1001-Daisy ENVELOPE Jan 27: Thursday/ My dear Love, can you stand two in one day? I guess you can or I would not write. You were perfectly sweet to come to see me today, and I appreciate it, I can tell you, under the circumstances. My darling, you don’t know what a brick you are, I simply admire what I saw in you today – more still for me to love, and I know now to do that. You have enough now to think of, and I won’t allow you to consider me as you showed today that you did; you have gotten me on my feet. Now I’m the one to look after you. You have… … made me believe in your love, you never made it more evident than today. And now I am willing to be set aside til you again have time for me; I am so confident of your faithfulness that I am not afraid to wait for I know you won’t fail me, ever. So my orders are drop me from your mind as far as any worry goes, only let me be there when I can help you. It isn’t a case of fast and loose between you and me – its… … all fast because the trust is secure. I shall see you when you can, and be perfectly satisfied. When I propose a thing that isn’t just what you can fall into easily, simply say ‘no’ without troubling to explain why – I am glad you told me about your mother, and am very thankful it isn’t worse, as my mother’s was. Take good care of yourself now so that you can take good care of her later. This is useless advice – rather... … superfluous, because I saw today how you were working and that your plan is good. There is a Brochure as soon as your mother is ready to look at the pictures. I cannot help thinking how dear you were today; I wanted to put my arms around you, but am willing not to, but to substitute anything that will help you now – that I shall watch for. Perhaps you can get down to the Chantry some morning for nine o’clock service – it is lovely. Goodnight. Lovingly your Daisy. Shall be at the hospital about quarter to 12 on Friday. Jan 27: Thursday, Dear Miss Austin, We were very much grieved to hear of your mother’s sudden illness. Trusting she will soon be well enough to be with you again… Very sincerely, Elizabeth E. Jenkins Jan 27: [Box 21D] My dear Alice – I am so awfully sorry that your mother is sick – you must be quite worried about her as it is such a new thing for her to be anything but… … strong and well – You could not have her in a better place on the face of the earth & I hope the Doctors will will [sic] soon pronounce her quite well again. I wish I could spare a few minutes this week to see you but I fear that I cannot. Mame? comes down… … today to stay overnight I expect her any minute & tomorrow every minute is full and on Saturday mother & I intend taking in the Opera in very swell style (??? treat) Seats in the orchestra. Then I am going to the dance in the evening (better take it)… … In all these things I shall miss you so much especially tomorrow eve – at Ediths. I did want you to be there!! Well no one knows from one moment to another what fate has in store for us & little did you think that you would be where you are when we were talking on Sunday over this busy, gay, week. Edith, Marie, … … Allie & I went over to Newark yesterday to see Allie’s trousseau and take lunch. We had a very jolly time of it – I went up to dinner at Gen C’s in the eve – so as quite tired out. When Katie told me about your mother as the boat she did not say I was not to talk of it – so when Mrs Scofield joined me I told her, and Alice, she… … must have told the Marshes because George & Edith (who were both up there to dinner on Tues eve) spoke to me about it on the boat yesterday – G of course contradicted it saying I had heard form you that your mother was not seriously ill at all etc. and then, I sent in a note to Mrs S asking her not to… … mention what Katie had told me to anyone as it was not so & if she had please to contradict it I had told no one else not even Mother or Papa so Alice I hope that it will go no further – I am sorry I even mentioned it to Mrs S. she is such a gossip but I was perfectly innocent not… … knowing your wishes then – I do hope I have not caused you any future trouble if so I am afraid Katie will have to be blamed more than me. Well I do hope you will soon be home again – if your mother is still in town next week I will try to get up to see you at the time you say. Give my love to your mother & with piles for yourself I am as ever aff yours, Trude Eccleston If there is anything I can do for you or your mother down here or in town let me know. Alice P goes up tomorrow. I do not know where yet. Maybe here – ND. referring to ACA’s illness this is Alice Wheelock who was Sarah Ann’s daughter living on Park Ave where ACA was staying [Box 21D] Tuesday 6pm [Feb 1 pb] Dear Lolla, Your letter came & I cannot express my relief to know your Mother made the trip so comfortably & was not tired, I followed you both every moment & I am thankful she is at home & I hope will continue to improve day? Especially? Don’t forget in time a cane with ??. Mother & all … join in heartiest congratulations. She could not have had a better day. Will had a nice time at dinner at Dr Dix’s & a fine time at the junior cotillion. Entering about one & leaving this morning at 10 ?? tired. I hope he is safely home. Give my love to your Aunt and wish her a congratulations to you all. I am truly yours. Alice S Wheelock. Feb: Dear Mrs Wheelock, I thank you very much for your letter, received this morning and hope your cousin's trouble will be but temporary. I am glad I happened to be near her to be of service and would like to hear from you later regarding her condition. Very truly Caroline M Sweet 222 W 4th St. Tuesday. Feb 5 postmark: Dear Miss Austen: I was glad to hear from you yesterday and to learn your mother is getting well rapidly. A letter recently received from Mrs. Wheelock told me your mother had gone to your home and of her condition. We are all liable, you know, to meet with an accident away from any friends and to expect help from others, we must remember the Golden Rule which I always tried to keep green in my memory. I am glad I happened to be near your mother at the time she was in need of help. And if what little assistance I was able to offer made her trouble lighter, I am pleased. Kindly give her my regards and best wishes for a very quick recovery. Yours truly Caroline M Sweet. 222 W 4th St. NYC. Feb 14: wedding announcement Allys Louise Frelinghuysen Mercer to Easton McMahon Davell (letter index) Feb 21 postmark [Box 21D] My dear Miss Austen: I hope you will excuse me for not writing before as I agreed to, but you know a little of the rush & whirl in which we live here – so I am sure you will excuse my negligence. I think the best place for you to get the black …rubber sheets is at some place where they sell goods for camping. I want to thank you for the little parcel which I found in my pocket-book. You were very kind indeed but you ought not to have done it. I hope your mother is improving fast. Please remember me to her & tell her that no one has taken her place yet. We have a very sick man with Rheumatism, Pneumonia …and heart trouble. He is improving & I think he is coming out all right. Mr Peck still perambulates up & down the corridor with his cigarette. It is getting late & growing cold so I shall have to say “Good Night” hoping to see you sometime in the near future. I am sincerely yours MR White Sunday, Feb 20, 1898 Feb 24 My dear Miss Austin – I forgot when I spoke of next Saturday coming for a séance in Spanish that I had something on hand for that night and if agreeable to you it will afford me pleasure to come …tomorrow Friday evening instead. Sincerely yours, CW Osgood 51 Central Ave New Brighton, 2/24/98 Feb 24 [Box 21D] 1819 M. Street, Washington, Monday Feb 21^(st) My dear Alice: Here it is the last moment before I come home almost (as I said it would be) and I have not written you a word – well I made up my mind not to let letter writing interfere … during such a short visit and you will have to forgive me – this is just to say that I will be home tomorrow afternoon about five o’clock & if you have nothing better to do come up & I will recount all my doings to you if you want …to hear them & hear about your affairs. The dreadful disaster to the “Maine” stopped all the Cabinet Receptions & dances and threw Washington into mourning – I should have gone to the White house recep - & several dances at the army post also a slew of …Cabinet Receptions but all were put off – so your friend has done the city up sightseeing with a very charming young lade staying here & I have enjoyed my stay immensely – Mrs B wants me to stay longer but the Dr has been so sick with the Grip since we have been here that I think I had better come home with Papa – so come up to see me tomorrow. Lovingly, Trude E – Are you going to Mrs Sheffers card party tomorrow eve? I am not but wish I was. March: [Box 21D] 51 Central Ave / My dear Miss Austen, I am unable to have the pleasure of an evening in Spanish with you until Monday so if agreeable to you would be happy to come that evening. Sincerely yours CW Osgood March 4: Enclosure signed by EAA. “Letter received, wire result, my expense, give love, anxious, thanks – Alice Austen.” My dear Miss Austin; Julia wishes me to write to you telling you of her illness. She was so dreadfully weak that I did not dare to ask her how much you know about it. She has been living and keeping up in will power for … months. Of course you know how great a success she has made of her house, making it a home in every sense, for all of us wanderers. About last September I believe she had the first attack after then 3 or 4 of them her physician handled her over to the hospital … and there she had been with really every comfort and in spite of all this had had 3 more, the last attach was really dreadful. I felt as if she could not rally, but she has done so and the physicians intend to operate on her Saturday or Monday. They now say it is appendicitis, it has gone on so long I feel intensely worried over the outcome … if she had been permitted she would undoubtedly have sent you a message. Poor Julia, she is so brave and so utterly alone way out here, but she has some of good friends too. Your picture is familiar to me and Julia often spoke of you, so I feel as if you were not an utter stranger. Yours sincerely, Eleanor E Coleman, Santa Barbara. FROM EAA: My dear Walton; today I received a letter from Julia’s friend Mrs Coleman written at Julia’s request to tell me that she was to be operated on Saturday or Monday. Mrs C expressed … about Julia, she has mentioned being ill, but her last letter gave me the idea that all danger had passed & I am so shocked at receiving this news today – what are your office hours? I should like very … EAA March 9: 251 West 92nd St. New York City – March 9, 1898 – Our Dear Friend Miss Austen – In memory of many very pleasant interviews at Bay Head, so many of which bore upon your photography, I hereby need more to account for the work of my pen in addressing you. Annie (Mrs Walter B. Howe) has given us your address, hoping that it is correct, and I ask your indulgence, in my making inquiry, whether there may not possibly be some day when your engagements in the city would admit of your calling upon us, and which taking luncheon with us [A picture containing text, ground, rug Description automatically generated]?? leaving disposed to submit to questions on photography with… … which you are so familiar. I am sorry to say that I have so long been quite an invalid that my desire to protract my pleasure in the use of the camera has been very decidedly held in check, till I have become sadly unfamiliar with some of the essential principles – I happily call to mind your excellent method of instruction, and your success in manipulating the instrument, and I am hoping that you may be impressed to repeat your kindness in [A picture containing text, rug Description automatically generated]?? my familiarity with the lenzes etc. may you not be expecting to visit friends or relatives in the city and at once see the possiblilty of making a call upon us, and of thus making us your debtor. Could we but know when such visit is soon to be appointed by you we could at once determine its… … possibly coinciding with one own expected arrangements in our house here at 251 W 92 (corner of 92nd and Boulevard) and everything could be arranged dependent only upon the permission of Divine Providence. Let me leave the subject with you asking your favorable attention, if all things may under my application admissible, and assuming you of the writer? Respects and friendly regards of wife and myself. Most heartily yours Charles Jewett Collins. March 14: 63 East 56th Street. [Box 21D] Dear Miss Austen – Last night I received a telegram from Howard saying that the operation for appendicitis had been performed, and that the Doctor reported a favourable outlook. I will let you know as soon as I hear further. I am always in until ten in the morning, and should be very glad to see you some morning to tell you about Julia. I am very well and thank you most heartily for your kind invitation to take dinner with you some Sunday. Faithfully yours, Walton Martin March 17 postmark from Santa Barbara [Box 21D] My dear Miss Austin: You have received my telegram and I am so happy to add that Julia still improves. If all goes well and the physicians now are very hopeful she can return to the hospital here in about a month. It turned out to be appendicitis only, contrary to the decided opinion of her physician here. How, if she can only summon strength to rally as we hope, six months more and she may resume her work. Of course her financial condition worries her …so it retards everything else. Why don’t that old uncle do something? I should not have written that, so please do not read it. Yours very sincerely Eleanor Coleman Greenworth El Juntiete? March sixteenth March 22:[Box 21D] Photo enclosed taken by Collins of his cottage in ME taken with a small camera 251 West 92nd St. New York City – March 22, 1898 – Our Dear Friend Miss Austen – You may be assured of our kindest sympathy at a view of your mother’s impaired health, and of our hope that your gentle ministrations may very speedily be attended by recovered health, to your mother’s comfort and to your very great joy. I most heartily thank you for your very kind letter in acknowledgement of mine, and for its comforting extensions relative to what you witnessed in my as … … siduous devotion to the camera, while spending the summer at Bayhead. Your testimony was unduly generous, for I am pleased to assure you that the first clear item upon the subject of photographing was imparted by your patient and good self in an effort to meet the exigency in my slow progress. I distinctly recall the afternoon in the little cottage, and how absolute the progress consignment upon the instruction rendered. As regards my present need and desires, I may be allowed to say, that a protracted period of debility, since wife and I returned from our trip… … across the Atlantic, has not a little confused my ideas upon the subject of photography, and was ever more difficult the manipulation of plates and lenzes, as also the determination of what may be best as regards distance, time etc. etc. I hardly need remark that I have some consolatory experiences and results, but I have, in all honesty, to refer such success – so very often – to good luck – may I not say? You kindly proffer reply to inquiry. I fear that I should hardly be able to make my questions so intelligible as to make my case clear. At present, much of my embarrassment is due to a want of clear understanding of… … either instrument having bellows and calling for plates: of these I have two. Of course, where there is the film, it is “hit of miss” & little credit! We are thinking of a return in the summer to our place of reservation – Falmouth Fariside (Casen Bay) Maine – If through any success in meeting problems, photography becomes dear? I may ask of you to accept some pictures of what may be about us, there. Our plans are not yet very definite, but our hopes are decided. It would greatly please us to [A picture containing text, floor Description automatically generated]?? you at our delightful little home here 251 and I feel assured that you would be greatly pleased with Mrs Collins. She has the most delightful recollection of your good self & in this photographic letter of mine she sends to you her very fondest regards. Believe me as ever, most heartily yours, Charles Jewett Collins P.S. I have just discovered an “interior” of the front room in our Apartment at 251 and I am pleased to send it to you in testimony of my appreciating your courtesy & kindness – sorry that you can not occupy one of the vacant chairs. Also I enclose a “blue print” … of our cottage on Cisco Bay, Maine. The kitchen is one secured by my little Tom Thumb! Doubtless you remember the little instrument. It is a gem. Very truly yours, CJC [Box 21D] March 23 postmark: 1624 Garden St. Sta Barbara My dear Alice, You will doubtless have looked at the signature to see who I am but I hope you have not altogether forgotten me and I now write to tell you all about Julia – Mrs Coleman wrote just before the operation and I suppose she answered your telegram – I have have not seen her. The house is full & I am kept just… … as busy as a bee. It is a week and a half since Julia’s operation for appendicitis and she is doing beautifully, not having had a single step back or anything that should not be. Her nurse & I took her down to Los Angeles in a car all to ourselves when we were met by Dr. Becker, who took us to his hospital. Poor Julia, it was fearful to get into the ambulance, which really looked just like a hearse, except for the red cross badge – it made me gulp & so I told them I was going too & in both Miss Hewet & I got & tried to cheer her up. Of course we moved very slowly over the cobbles & finally… … we got there. The next morning they had the consultation & the morning following the operation. She was awfully plucky & only winced just before taking the ether. I staid on a day later to see if everything was going as the doctor hoped & then came back to the house. She does not know I staid as long as I did as she begged me to return a day earlier on account of the boarders, so we thought it best to humour her & so I bought some little reproductions of pictures & some plants and made her room as pretty as we could get it and said good bye. And went back to the hotel until the next afternoon. I simply could not leave her until I was sure she was out of danger – and today’s letter says that she “is too well to be interested any longer,” and is eating beef steak & chops. You don’t know what a relief it is to have had everything go so well, as she was very exhausted from the previous attacks & the doctor never was treating her for something entirely different & very decided in saying that the trouble was a stoppage of the bowels. Howard was very dissatisfied & made me… … get here to decide to go down to LA - & the responsibility was a terrible thing until she began to mend. Even had things not gone so well for us, we would have felt that we had done the right thing. I would have written before to you but as you may suppose I had most of Julie’s letters & all anyone to all?? She is making money now I am thankful to say, if it only will keep up – it Y I have closed our little house up & are all over here & have been for three months & while there is a great deal of work & responsibility to it, it is also very inter-… … esting as I have very charming people in the house. Of course, all the proceeds go to Julia, we have our “living expenses” which is a good deal nowadays. It is a glorious place – a place to dream in & of and what is more practical, a good place for people who are hard up. Do you ever see Mrs Nicoll? Mrs Powell’s sister? We miss her so – Kingsley never ceases to reminisce about the beautiful time he had at your house & how kind you all were to him. He sends his love promiscuously, not forgetting the little boy he played with – fearing you will be bored to death if I go on. Always yrs, A.W. Martin April 1: Fishkill on Hudson, My dear Lolla – Thank your mother for her kind letter. I have now the anxiety of having mother sick, beside my dear Aunt’s loss, for while we feel for her, the changes from her life of intense suffering to her blessed rest is unspeakably blessed….for her. We miss her sorely. Mother has a very severe cold and as she was very much rundown of course I shall be anxious till she is well again. Will you dear Lolla print for me 1 interior and 3 exterior views of the church they have been so much admired two ?? for Mrs Sargent. One for Mrs Bedinger and one for a family whose sister’s monument is in the photo. With love to Alice in which mother joins me very affectionately, ED VanRensselaer April 4: [Box 21D] Matteawan Ap 4 98 My dear Lolla, I have just heard from my cousin Mrs Hick? who was a Miss Van Rensselaer to know whether there is any place where they can get reasonable board or a small house at reasonable rent for a few months this summer. Presqu’ile it is a nice home with a grand view but farther off then we like but it was the only house we cd get but you see I cannot write much. I hope you are all well. Please address Mr RM Hick Pier A. N. River ????? April 11: Los Angeles – April 11th 1898. My dear Alice, I know you will be glad to hear from me even on this paper, as it is all I have at present & I want to write you while I feel like it. Mrs Coleman has told me about your telegraphing and I have received your kind welcome letters and I cannot begin to tell you how much I appreciate all your interest in me. I have had a pretty hard time but the actual cause of all my trouble is gone which is something gained but there is still a long pull of bodily weaking ahead. I have been ill more or less (mostly more) since last Sept. have had four very severe attacks & all along I have said it was appendicitis, but my Dr insisted not until he let me nearly die. Fortunately I was at the hospital and everyone over there upheld me in insisting upon an operation. As I could not get a surgeon to come up there & as I was afraid to wait & afraid of complications I decided to come down here, so away I came on a stretcher, with a nurse & Amy. As Amy had the care of my house she went back the next day & the following one I … … was operated upon – The surgeon found me in a most dreadful condition caused from adhesions and on account of all this the wound had to be packed with gauze and drained. The bowels were involved and had to be sewed up in several places and altogether it was an ugly affair. I have gotten on however beautifully. Had hardly had a setback, but now is the most trying time to exist. My head, back, arms are quite strong, but I can only walk with difficulty across my room, and everyone says it will be months before I am much good. I have given up my house for the summer. And shall do everything to get strong & am planning to open it in the late autumn. I am going back to Santa Barbara on Wednesday. I shall go over to the hospital first and shall enjoy the wheel chair which I can wheel myself & go outdoors every day. I am furious with Dr Otto. I think if he was not sure himself what the trouble was he should have gotten someone else. Did you ever get a “Press” I sent you stating that I had bought a house. I sent it to you weeks ago. I was so interested in it & expected to furnish it this month & open it 1st of May – it is only a block below my present home and is… … or will be a lovely place. But now that I am laid up I do not know how it will all come out. They say “all good things come to those who wait,” so let us hope this will be my lot. Howard & Amy with children leave for Juneau, Alaska the 1st of May. Howard had a good position offered him there and the Press did not pay sufficiently so off they go. Howard has turned out to be a brick. He never drinks a drop & works so hard. I have become so fond of him. I was so sorry to hear of your mother’s accident. It must be very hard for her not to be able to move around. You tell her with my love that I can sympathise with her, if that is any comfort. If the trip East was less expensive and not such a long journey & if I had not lots to attend to here, I believe I should be more than tempted to come East, but it is lovely out here. Sometimes you must come & spend the winter with me – now I am tired, so with lots & lots of love to you all I am Affectionately, Julia T Martin April 12: wedding invitation for Marioin McKeever & Phillips Blagden Thompson June 21: envelope from Trude from Bolton’s Landing July 2: envelope from Trude form Bolton’s Landing July 4: envelope from Daisy July 26: envelope from Bessie Strong from New Brunswick Sept 12: envelope Dec 23: wedding invitation Alice Maud Stone to Harold Waldo Dec 29: envelope from Bessie Strong
No children (leaf entity)