Letter: 12 August 1900

To Lora Johnson Arnold from Amanda M. Johnson
Plattsburgh N.Y.
Aug 12 - 1900

Dear Sister

It is a long time since we have heard anything from you - so I thought I would just write a few lines to let you know what deep trouble we are in. Ida was very well up to last March when she commenced to cough but nothing alarming or to cause her to keep in doors, but she seemed to be running down gradually seven weeks ago yesterday morning she came down stairs to the closet when she was suddenly taken with terrible pains in her bowels - we sent for Dr. Buck who lives right next door & he was here within five minutes after she was taken - he at first thought it an attack of Peritonitis, then after a little she commenced vomiting like billiouness every thing was done for her that could be done. About three weeks ago she commenced to grow & fill up and in a very few days they found it another rapid growth tumor - we had Dr's Buck - Barnes and Diah and they said she must go to a Hospital at once, so Mrs. Hall took her into Montreal last Thursday night, and we expect she will be operated on this week as they put her under treatment at once. The examinations have been very unfavorable but this morning the Dr telegraphed that she rested well the night before and had a more comfortable day yesterday & they hardly thought it malignant now as they feared at first, so we feel a little encouraged, but not much. I am going there in the morning, to stay for a few days that I may be near her, she has not the (strength) streangth and courage that she had last year. she also looks as though there might be dropsy with it. The poor girl has had her share of trouble and her nerves are all unstrung. Ida Ladd is out to Point-Au-Roche sick in bed with stomach trouble of which there is a great deal around. Hugh Conway died yesterday morning, dysentering the cause. Mattie Jerome moves to Milton Vr (Vermont) - this week where her husband is working. I hate to have her go - she has a lovely baby boy. Mrs. Ruger intends going to the Hospital this week goes to Burlington. I think well I can write no more with love to all Amanda Johnson