Letter 1708

Fol. 206 Dear Sr Upmr Nov: 10 1710 5 of clock This comes to return you ten 1000 thanks for your kind directions in my Wifes very dangerous case, wch yesterday in the afternoon had like to have carried her off, her pulse being little more than a remor, feavr high, flesh convulsed, & her hands shaking; & all about 4 or 5 hours after a fifth time of bleeding, the first of her blood fizy, the last not so bad. But after somewhat more than ordinary dis- course with me, & concern in taking leave of each other, she on a suddain seemed to have some speedy relief whether by that Ventila[ti]on of her Lungs, or some motion of the affects parts, &c I leave to your better judgment: & last night she had much ease & kindly sleep so yt this morning she seems to be in a likely way of recovery I hope. I suppose it will be absolutely necessary to endeavour the prevention of a consump- tion succeeding so terrible a shock of her Lungs, wch I desire your directions about. She is brought to almost the lowest degree of weakness. Your affairs at Orset you may cast on my care. A Survey will be of absolute necessity for you, & I know one at Rumford yt will be the best man to be employed therein, as not only understanding surveying Land well, but also Timber &c. As I rememr the usual rates are 6d p acre, viz 3d for surveying & 3d plotting it down: if a small parcel of Land 8d they will ask; or if much Timber to be particularly noted, they will expect ac- cordingly. As soon as I can get to Rumford, I will talk wth the surveyour about all things, & give tou an account, yt you may either pitch upon him, or one in town. The Gates & Stiles shall be as well taken care of as by your self, when I am able to do it; & with great thankfulness I shall allways acknow- lidge my self Dear Sr Your much obliged humble servt W Derham Since my writing this, my wife is sized wth a violent Looseness, accompanied wth acute gripings. For want of yr better directions I give her ye White Decoction wth Formentil root boyled in it, & now & then a Cordial of Spiremint watr, Aq: Cin: fat: &c.