From C. A. Thorley to Emma Darwin [14 April 1851]

My dear M^rs Darwin,

Dr. Gulley's opinion now is that Annie is very slowly progressing; this has much relieved my mind. He came early today (his cold was too bad to allow him to come last eve) & I again asked if he thought there was danger. "No," he said, "it is a smart bilious gastric fever, but she has turned the corner", these are the words he said he has many similar cases on hand just now, & he said it is quite an epidemic; hers has not been brought on by her treatment with him, but it is always more or less general at this season particularly when easterly winds prevail, of which we have had no small share for the past week.— On recovery I think debility shows itself in an invalid more than at the time of fever. for we now discover her extreme weakness; Dr G. allows to-day a tablespoonful of broth or Beef tea every hour; sickness has returned yesterday & the day before in the afternoon, so shd it do so this aft. we are to omit the broth for an hour or so. To-day she has scarcely complained of sickness so I do trust that is gradually disappearing & then we can venture to give something more substantial even than broth. Dr. G. considers that this will remove much of her Chronic Disease; this I was to inform M^r. Darwin. Brodie is in much better spirits today; I must say that I had serious thoughts yesterday morn. of sending for M^r. D., she was so very ill; I hastened down to M^rs Scott to learn what she thought & there wd have been an opportunity of sending as she is gone to town this day; for I almost feared my note of yesterday w^d. not reach you before this does but I was thankful to be able to give her a cheering account before her departure this morn. Annie has been obliged to have an Injection, as they never give purgatives in Homœopathy.-––- M^rs. Panting called again, she is truly kind & sympathizing.— Etty has gone out for a walk with Brodie; she is very well.— I trust M^r. Darwin is improving & that I have not alarmed you both in my communication of yesterday; as I trust now all the worst is over. I almost hope that Sunday's letter may not reach you before this tomorrow.— Dear Annie sends her love; how I long for the time to be able to say she is strong enough to get up.—

Adieu, ever yours, my dear M^rs D. | C. A. Thorley.