Ker, David (fl. 1817) to Sally Ker
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04601.08 Author/Creator: Ker, David (fl. 1817) Place Written: Natchez, Mississippi Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 31 October 1817 Pagination: 2 p. : address ; 25.5 x 21.5 cm Order a Copy
Updates his sister in Greenville, Mississippi about the condition of their brother who was suffering from a fever but is now recovering. Describes his medical treatments including taking tincture of bark and being rubbed with mercurial ointment. Mentions that the fever epidemic seems to be dying down in the area. Only a few new cases have been reported. Asks her to please send this letter on to their mother so that she may not worry. Assures Sally that he is telling the truth and that they should not believe the negative reports they hear as they are often false.
There were many outbreaks of yellow fever in Mississippi in the 19th century. It is possible that this is the fever referred to by the correspondents.
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