My dear Doctor [John Henry Bowers], 17 June 1877
Date
2013-02-21
Authors
Smith, Ashbel, 1805-1886.
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Abstract
Letter urging Dr. Bowers to publish the report of Texas Epidemics he wrote.
Description
Evergreen, Harris Cy., June 17, 1877,
My dear Doctor,
I hardly know where we are in our correspondence that is whether you or I wrote last. I was quite disappointed in not seeing you at the State Houston Fair.
Your excellent sketch of epidemics was submitted by me to Dr Heard of Galveston. He put a very high value on it _ made it a part of a Report which he drew up on the Epidemics of Texas to be presented to the International Medical Congress of the Centennial year. This report was not presented_ the arrangement of business at Philadelphia was such that an opportunity offered for Dr. Heard’s report and for similar papers. I placed your report in the hands of Dr Cupples of San Antonio. After careful reading of it his commendation was hearty and emphatic. I have got your report with me at Evergreen. My urgent request and permit me to say, my urgent advice is for you to publish it in some Medical Journal. If there are any lacunae, any omissions from Haste in drawing it up, you can supply these. To me the paper appears complete and requires no change nor addition. Write me and I will send you the paper on my first visit to Houston.
I have just been turning over hastily Dr. Dowell’s book on Yellow Fever published last year. He makes no mention of Bassos Santiago. Did you not see and treat Y.F. then and also Dengue? Let me entreat you to draw up an account of what you observed then in the above named and other discusses for publications. Such papers as you can prepare being published, are an heirloom of honor for one’s family, better, far more enduring then an intake in lands and money my old friend don’t neglect or delay. The Galveston Historical Society published last year an address of mine before then, under the name of Reminiscences of Texas. It was my wish to send you a copy_ but had none. Few were printed, and they were sent away by the Society. I am proposing if able, to print an edition.
Nothing New Hem_ Times very dull_ Evergreen quiet and much as usual the regular line of steamboats being discontinued, I visit Houston or Galveston but seldom my health very good for my years. Reading is my solace and occupation_ my exercise daily in a good garden_ this year closes my planting or rather my pottering attempts at planting. Cedar Bayou district slowly filling up with new comers; in many respects neighborhood not much changed.
Tell me everything about yourself and your family.
Affectionately
ever yours,
Ashbel Smith
Keywords
Yellow fever, Malaria