Cherokee County NcArchives History - Letters .....Letter September 9, 1829 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/nc/ncfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Jene Welch welchaid@communicomm.com July 4, 2006, 11:33 am Book Title: Ashville 9th Sept. 1829 Dear Polly, My heart almost bleeds when I write, I am now in suspense. I arrived here on Monday night and on yesterday morning made application to Doctor Harding, a very skilful physician who informed me that it was his opinion that there was no alternative but to cut the windpipe. But that, that was not so dangerous an operation as was thought by many and that he has no doubt of doing it with success. He sent out of town by my request for Doctor Phillips on yesterday and applied to every doctor in the place; about six in number, besides some students and two great physicians from South Carolina. And they held a council and used every means in their power to extract the seed but every effort proved ineffective and it was concluded that the only remedy was to cut the windpipe which is to be done this morning as soon as breakfast is over. It is such a serious operation that I know that I cannot write much shortly after it is performed and I will write now and send you the particulars after all is over. This is to be sent by Doctor Evins of Waynesville who has attended her to see the operation. All attention will be had and the citizens of this place appear to be much interested in favor of John. They give him every attention. He is now on my knee while I write. He is as well as when we left home and not much difference, but shortly will I hope. You know that nothing else draws my attention when circumstances require my particular attention which now is the case. I dare not travel for a day or two and then must go slow and of course I cannot be at home as soon as you may look for me. I not being will to expose John’s life to save a few day which are few. Be reconciled, Polly, and I will shortly give you the facts as it is. the 11th inst. the operation was delayed until today for the purpose of geting all the a__tain__ I could. There were seven good doctors; one from Savannah, one from Charleston, and one from Augusta. Today they commenced at 10 o’clock and ended at 1. The seed was lodged up in the upper part of the windpipe. The orrifill or epiglottis in his windpipe was cut about ˝ inch and with an instrument, it was forced up through his mouth. I cannot leave here under 2 or 3 days or perhaps more. John cried very little. His fortitude was greater than mine. He wanted to be cured and let the doctor cut almost without a struggle and shed no tears but called for me and I stood by him untill all was over. A trial too serious, almost for human nature to bear was it not for necessity. This will be sent ( _______ ___________ ) by same one doctor Evins who cam here with me and waited until it was done. with love, yours as usual Wm Welch Mrs. Polly Welch Stuoch old fields Marion County, No Cal File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/nc/cherokee/history/letters/letter16gms.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/ncfiles/ File size: 3.5 Kb