Letter from Mrs. Martin to her brother Isidore CF 34
August 11, 1868.
Little Joseph has been home for a month. The nurse having her disabled mother, I saw that she had too much to do and I preferred to withdraw it. He is still sick; He has had a bowel disease for six weeks, his limbs are no bigger than he was at three months. I have a lot of sorrow and tribulations of all kinds.
Tell me exactly when you will come. The children are on vacation, it should be at the beginning of September or at the end of the present month; the earliest would be best. It will comfort me and I need it right away.
I'm looking forward to seeing your wife and your little girl who must be stronger than my little Joseph. This will still make me sigh loudly. It won't be from jealousy, think about it, because I would be very sorry to see you as unhappy as I am and especially so embarrassed with a difficult business and five small children to bring up. But the good Lord, who is a good Father and who never gives his creatures more than they can bear, has lightened the burden, the Point d'Alençon is slowing down. I assure you it's almost a relief for me at the moment, because I don't know how I would manage if I had to have orders right now.
I have just received your letter, so I am happily awaiting your arrival on the 30th. Make sure there are no impediments, because if you miss this time, we will be angry and very angry. ! The children are there around me, dancing with joy.
