lect you found
me in great pain, but that instantly subsided when I used the Inhaler as
you told me; and for an hour or two, strictly following your
directions, I could not believe that the labour was going on, as I felt
nothing, though perfectly conscious the whole time. But once allowing
the pains to get ahead, I seemed as if I could not listen to you. It
being my first confinement, I suppose I was frightened and nervous,
consequently, then, not being able to do as you told me, I suffered
intensely for a time, but towards the end I must have used the Inhaler
better, for I certainly did not feel my _great baby_ being born. You
yourself called it a _terrific bout_; but I recovered very rapidly,
which must be a proof that I did actually derive much benefit from the
anodyne, notwithstanding my having that interval of suffering when I did
not use the Inhaler properly, for I walked downstairs to dinner on the
fifth day, and was home at three weeks, and thirty miles down in the
country three days after. I speak of you and your wonderful discovery
whenever I get the opportunity, and sincerely hope I may have your
valuable assistance again, if I should be in a condition to need it.

Believe me,
Dear Sir,
Yours very truly,
* * *

To Dr. Townley.

* * * * *

April 12th, 1862.

My dear Dr. Townley,

I cannot allow the benefits that I have personally received from the
application of your valuable discovery in alleviating the pains and
anguish in the hour of childbirth to pass unacknowledged. I have delayed
writing earlier, being anxious to confirm the lasting benefits conferred
at the time. It is now five months since you attended me, and I
unhesitatingly affirm that on the three previous occasions of my
confinements, I have never been so fully recovered at the end of one
month, as I was on the last occasion at the end of a fortnight, as was
instanced by the fact, as you know, of my being obliged to closely watch
and nurse, night and day, my youngest boy, in a severe and critical
illness. Apart from the general and speedy restoration to health and
strength, I can safely state that while under the influence of the
anodyne, which I applied myself, retaining consciousness the whole
period, and when strictly following your directions, experienced no pain
whatever, although you are aware the difficulty in my case was increased
by being what is termed a