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We are permitted to make the following extract from a letter received from A. J. Bartholomew, by Wm Edwards Esq. dated Poolesville Oct 12: “I am still here, waiting and waiting anxiously for so decided a change in my brothers case as will give me assurance of his speedy recovery ere I leave him to his chances among many strangers, as it may be very soon, in consequence of the regiment being ordered away. The last few days have given me some cause for alarm for him, for with that fever he has some difficulty which keeps up a good deal of excitement and reduces him very low. His abscesses, those externally have all been lanced and are healing up, but there have been some internally which have broken and discharged, very copiously. The danger in his case is that some may form in such a (situation??) internally as to discharge into the cavity of the stomach or somewhere so that it will not be carried off, in which case it would cause death in a short time. His physicians say he is in a critical condition, yet we earnestly hope he will be able to triumph over all difficulties and be on the tract of certain and speedy recovery in a very short time. His case looks darker to me than at any other time since I have been here. The recovery of all who have been sick of the fever here is very slow indeed, and in some instances it seems as though they would never gain enough strength to get away. The climate seems healthy and the air is fresh and good, the land being elevated here considerably above the river, and still there is a poison in something that keeps one down when he has once been prostrated. This is the case of Dr. Joseph N. Bates. He is still confined to his chamber and is like to be for some time. Alternate chills and fever come upon him and keep him in a very feeble condition. One day he is going to get out certainly; but ere it comes he is to week to think of leaving his bed. He is awaiting the day that he shall have strength to leave on the furlough he has been promised him for the east, when he thinks he can recuperate. I think he will not go home. The war news is all dried up. The General keeps his business as close as family secrets. I am unable to say anything of intended movements, if they are to make any in this section. You are apprized of all they are doing in Washington, as much as I am, and get the news sooner. It takes us two days to get it only 35 miles. I would not live in this county for half its wealth of “niggers and land” and desire to get away as soon as possible. |