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I about to take. The Medical Man of the [crossed out: Village] puritanical, temperence, & not very hospitable Village I was in, had gone to a 'Camp Meeting' (Camp Meetings are a disgrace to Society) and it was not certain when he would return. My fever having abated towards evening I found my hostess by my side in tears & looking somewhat frantic with a letter in her hand.

 I am grieved' said she 'that I cannot treat you better - we are poor indeed - My boys & girls are sick with fever, they cannot go for corn & other things our good neighbors on the other side of the River would give us, but I have killed my last chicken for you. The people here are selfish & have no feeling for the unfortunate - Wretched wife - unhappy Mother! when will my husband be liberated from his vile captivity in Mexico - Yes they took him like a gally slave from [crossed out: Mexico] San Antonio - & here he tells me in this letter that it is uncertain when they may leave the castle of Perote.

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