Letter, Loulie Feemster to Alex W. Feemster; 07/1863

              Sunday noon July
My Dearest Alex,
               I made such a miserable out, writing to you the other day that I will try now if I can do better. I am much better than I've been, before, since I was taken would be well were it not for my breast it is, as, I at first, thought a boil but it has not ran yet I think it will very soon it is quite soft & I have a Soda poultice on it The boil is so near on the nipple that Mattie could not draw out the milk so that was the cause of the chill I felt no symptom of one was in Ma's room went through the dining room into Emma's just the second I opened the door the chill struck me my breast swelled & grew very hot. I suffered most awfully all night Tues. night. Then next morning Adah came in & pro. to draw it which greatly relieved but, for that, it would have risen. She has nursed me just as well as it was in her power to do. Hallie has a daughter & Hennie Puckett a boy. Mattie is growing as fast as possible & beginning to notice a good deal. Can't write more at present.
    May the Lord bless you. Goodbye  Your loving Loulie

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I feel quite cheerful today. Began to think seriously of death - was not afraid. Thought I was going to have child-bed fever