Matthew Gage to Mary Margaret Sanders (24 April 1859)

              April 24th 1859 )
Dear Mary )
I am in receipt of a letter but a few 
days since from your uncle John in which he makes several 
very important communications.  The first of most importance 
to self is that of the loss of your health for months past."
That is to me rest assured a very source of serious regret 
so early in life.  I have noticed occasionally your commun- 
ications to Georgiana but until now had not attached much 
importance to the reading, as I had indulged a hope 
from time to time that you find yourself in improved health."
John writes me what he learns of a physician in your neighborhood 
who tells him he fears your disease will terminate in hypertrophy 
of the womb - a very serious affliction truely - I imagine - and 
that you obstinately refuse an examination.  Now  I  think 
this false modesty when ones health and happiness depend in 
all time to come and should not be persisted in when there is 
so much at stake - but act at once when there might be 
a reasonable hope of a speedy recovery indulged under the 
advice of such a physician as Dr. Stone of N.O. in whom I 
have more confidence than any man alive.  I have consulted him 
on the score of your mothers affliction and he has prescribed 
for her a successful remedy - Bismuth for neuralgia ) of the liver 
for which I could perceive no remedy heretofore, and it acts like
a charm in every anticipated attack - as it wards off at once
every attack.  This disease hastened away Capt. Sanders to eternity
beyond a doubt.  Now your sufferings are a misfortune and
not a fault doubtless, and if you go to New Orleans and I knew when to
try and meet you there at the sacrifice of all or every thing for 
a hope of recovery