Kelly, Mary (fl. 1862) to Sue

St. Johns Hospital
Tuesday morning May 6, 1862
Dear Sue
I received yours of Friday yesterday though it came in Saturday night.
You all seem to be doing tolerably well though I am sorry mother is not so well. When doing ? about the house depend on her so much now. She will be trying to do when she is not able. I wish I could get somebody like Jenny Mc…. to stay and do housework and other things, too. I don't want Mother to be trying to take up any of the carpet or such things as that. Get Mrs. McCoal to wash every two or three weeks when there is any bedclothes such as sheets. Mr. Hilton was here Sunday morning. He was going to start home that evening. He called to see us everyday while here. He said he would go over and see you when he got home. I hope he won't do as I ? did. I am much obliged to Mrs. McCallough. Her visit to you would be more satisfactory than a letter from me.
I sent Mick to the depot twice but after I got your letter last night I did not send him. I would not like for Sis to come if she would fret or seem to take it hard because she had to come with somebody that was nearly a stranger.
As far making her dresses, you may do whatever suits you about it. She can do without them very well if you think you can cut it. You may make the ? and let the other stand. I could give you plenty of sewing if I were at home, but as it is I can't tell you anything except that one. If you have sewing of your own why not do it there as well as at home? There are eleven yds of ? that I bought at Harley's tied up in the press. You may have if you will ? it. There are two pieces, one has nine and the other eleven. ? knows where they are.
I am glad you have got the garden planted though there was not much time lost, yet that you need rum yourselves down about it Mr. Gordan was very clear indeed.
I have said nothing thus far about James because I don't know hardly how he is though I fear no better. He said yesterday he wished we had gone on home before he became so weak. We could not attempt such a think now. Mick is still here very well. Heard nothing from George & ? suffers very much in the evening. He is very thin indeed - takes but little nourishment. He is asleep now. Never speaks unless you ask him something, nor complains in anyway except in the evening, then he can't get any ease until he takes morphine. He tries to take all we give him though its pretty hard sometimes. I think its so hard we ? to be afflicted so sadly every spring. I can never look on that season with the joy I used to. I will write soon. If Sis starts I wish I could know it that day before as the train gets in late. I would send to …