Domestic Poisons: clue #3

July 15th, 1892

Dear Doctor Mordecai,

I would like to begin this letter by thanking you again for your assistance in the matter of Tillie’s delivery. Unfortunately, she has been rather moody since the loss of our firstborn. I fear it is more than a run of the mill malaise or melancholy. Of course, I defer to your opinion as a physician, but I am hopeful that you can prescribe some tincture or draught that may soothe my beloved wife’s weak constitution. You know well that, for me, whiskey, cordial and port suffice! (though I must admit that I have turned to snuff once or twice when sufficiently under the weather) In the event that Tillie’s fits do not improve, I fear an institution may in fact be our best option.

On a related, but more personal matter, I would appreciate your counsel, if not your prescription. If you are able to speak to it, is such turmoil common when a woman bears her first child? Perhaps I have simply forgotten with time how spirited a young woman can be (for Tillie’s spirit is as willful as her moods are ephemeral). I know that it can be disheartening to be unsuccessful in turning a husband into a father, but I have provided what I believe to be much grace and patience. And yet, Tillie is not so eager. Perhaps you can reassure her again that time is of the essence and that her body will provide?

Thank you for all you have done for our family thus far.

Sincerely,

James Bishop