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A Letter from the Physician, Howard Thornton to his brother, regarding the uptake in his business and the high water levels of the Mississippi River

Poplar, Mississippi: April 7, 1890. A two page letter from Howard G. Thornton, a physician and surgeon located in Poplar, MS. He is writing his younger brother, Ed, who lives in Commerce, TX, with their parents. Thornton describes a busy winter in Mississippi, with lots of sickness, and a rainy spring, which as caused the Mississippi River to have rather high water levels. Thornton also spends a great deal of the letter encouraging his brother to study hard, in particular, to start studying medicine, and that he will do everything to help him. To that end, he has supplied his brother with a subscription to the journals, 'Home and Farm' and 'Colinder Journal'. Below are some excerpts from the letter.

"I have been very busy with practice &c. We have had a great deal of sickness this winter. My practice is increasing so much I have had to buy another horse. I have physicians on all sides of me but I am getting my fair shair [sic] of practice."

"I wish you would try and prepare yourself and read medicine. I will give you all the assistance I can if you will study your books at home and read good books and papers, do not let your mind run off on trashy books &c."

"We have had so much rain in this country the people are very badly behind with crops. The Miss. River will soon be in about eight miles of me. I am about forty miles of the river. It is thought that tit will be the highest that has ever been. It is up to [sic] high, water marks on the Government gage now and the signal service reports another rise coming. The levies are already badly broken, and that will tear them all to pieces."

The letter and corresponding envelope are written on Howard G. Thornton's business stationary. Measures 9 1/2" x 5 3/4" (letter), 6"x 3 1/2" (envelope). General wear and separations at the fold.

Price: $75.00

Item #29001023