LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR OF THE GETTYSBURG BATTLEFIELD MEMORIAL ASSOCIATION McPHERSON (Edward, 1830-1895, American Newspaper Editor and Congressman)

Autograph Letter Signed to J. Wallace, in Harrisburg, saying that he has "commenced this note well. I dated it Harrisburg, so accustomed have I become to writing from that point. A little time and scribbling a few notes will make me as familiar as ever with the name I should first have written, I received the other day my watch seal from Philad@. It has the coat of arms engraved upon it and in the most beautiful manner. The seal itself is of cornelian, and is of a conical-triangular shape, and is so so massive and showy and beautiful that I am half ashamed to wear it. I will stamp this letter with the seal. The impression sent with it in wax is almost perfect. It is such a one as you have of yours. I have not got off to Hagerstown yet and begin to think that mother will not go. Before my return her desire to pay Kate a visit arose mainly in my opinion from her discontent and unhappiness at the time and as she is becoming better reconciled she feels less the desire for change. Do not expect her to take the trip at present. I may possibly pay them a flying visit in a couple of weeks, but am not particularly anxious as to the time. We have not heard any further tidings from Phila. The last were favourable - they consisted of a conversation of one of our citizens with Dr Kirkbride, in which he expressed his opinion that the symptoms were favourable. Dr Gilbert told me he would write today or tomorrow & we may therefore expect a reply in the course of a week. Since my return I have thought of various matters connected with his sickness and it struck me to ask you whether any measures had been taken to secure him the benefits of the Sons of Temperance or the other similar institutions in Harrisburg, of which he is a member. It appears to me that I had a conversation on the subject with you but I have forgotten the tenor of it. The amount he would justly receive would be of use to his family under the circumstances ...", 2 sides 4to., with original autograph envelope postmarked Gettysburg with the seal that he refers to in the letter, 29th May

McPherson served two terms in the United States House of Representatives, as well as multiple terms as the Clerk of the House of Representatives. As a director of the Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association, he effected efforts to protect and mark portions of the Gettysburg Battlefield.
Dr Thomas Story KIRKBRIDE (1809-1883) was a physician, advocate for the mentally ill, and founder of the Association of Medical Superintendents of American Institutions for the Insane (AMSAII), a precursor to the American Psychiatric Association.
TOGETHER with an Autograph Report: "I was pleased to find him so comfortable both as to his accommodations and general bodily health. The house is so thoroughly warmed that one almost forgets that it is winter and the general air of cleanliness and comfort is such as to impress every visitor in the feelings of the greatest gratification that such a place is provided for this class of unfortunate persons. His appearance is very much improved, being in better ... of flesh than I have seen him in years. His colour is perfectly natural. I was informed too that his appetite is now natural and that he desires no more than the food considered proper and that he enjoys it with a good relish. As to the state of his mind however there is no change for the better except that he is quiet & indulged in this, perfectly happy. I found him in his bed where the Dr informed me he inclines to remain most of the time. Sometimes for several days he leaves his room during the day to spend part of it down stairs & in the yard & gardens. He sleeps well uniformly and takes his medicine generally when required but when he refuses they do not urge him but wait & offer it again & then he usually yields. When his wishes aren't complied with in every case his passion become excited then to avoid such result unless in very urgent cases he is allowed to have his own way. He takes his daily bath without giving any difficulty to his attendants. His mental aberration seems to consist in being absorbed or abstracted from all the past and utterly regardless of the future, appearing perfectly indifferent as to every thing that has or may occur. He desires privacy. When I entered his room he knew me & gave me his hands & after a very few commonplace remarks requested me to withdraw, that he wanted to be alone. I then endeavoured to interest him in conversation on matters which he was formerly interested in but I soon found that excited to degree of impatience which was rapidly running into high mental excitements when I thought it prudent to withdraw. I had quite a free & lengthy conversation with Dr Kirkbride. I found that his opinion as to the ultimate result is as unfavourable. He has very little doubt but that there exists ... disease of the brain & thinks moreover that there is a tendency to paralysis of one side, which is confirmation ...
whatever the result may be, there is cause for thankfulness that his comfort both of body & mind, is so undoubtedly well provided for that if he cannot engage in the duties of life he is ... from its harassing cares"

Item Date:  1857

Stock No:  40913      £775

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