Letter written by Henry Ebenezer MacDonald - Harris County Texas John Hendry 13 May 2001 ************************************************************************** USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. ************************************************************************** Transcript of a letter from Henry E. MacDonald of Houston, Texas, to his brother Roderick in Melbourne, Australia. Houston Heights April 9th 1906 My Dear Roderick I know you are wondering why I do not answer your very kind letters sooner. Ever since November I have been very sick with Fever & Rheumatisn and in January I was attacked with Hemmorage of the Stomach. My stomach has been hurting for a long time. I went to Doctors with it, took medecine but still it would hurt. I kept on at work when I could. About the middle of January while at work inside of the Engine took sick at my stomach, vomiting blood. Some of the men in Shop took me to the Infirmary. I am getting better within the last 2 weeks, but my knees are so sore I hardly am able to walk. I am glad to see that you are all well and I hope that you will continue so. I received a letter from Glasgow wrote by A. J. Macdonald (Robert son). He writes for Alick. Alick is very sick indeed. The trouble started back in November last, developed into congestion of the Heart, Lungs & Liver with a tendency to Dropsy. He is not allowed to eat any solid food. He also hurt himself carrying some heavy timbers. He has the best of Doctors, Prof Dunn and Rebecca is giving him the very best of nursing. The doctor says that with warmer weather setting in he might make a good recovery. Alick (nephew) happened to be in Glasgow on bussiness and Rebecca asked him to write me. Page 2 His address is Aleck J Macdonald 3 Bruce Grove Watford Hertfordshire England I will write him in a few weeks. We had a very remarkable winter as you had summer. We had very light frost in Houston, though up the country was very cold. We need rain very bad just now. Yellow Fever is reported from New Orleans (10 miles) yesterday. You know there was an epedemic there last summer and as there was no freeze here to kill it, it may turn out very bad. I hope not for it will kill bussiness as well. Annie is moving about as usual. Georgianna is suffering with her eyes. One of the blood vessels in eye bursted. She is under treatment. Louis is keeping well. I will for the present draw to close. Hoping that you will not think hard of me for not writing you sooner. Your Affectionate Brother H. E. Macdonald Remember me kindly to all and dont forget to write soon. Address H. E. Macdonald # 835 Courtland Street Houston Heights Harris County Texas