Part 7 (2/2)

You see the medicine does him good, for a few days later comes another from the same writer:--

”My dear Mrs. Seacole,--I have finished the bottle, which has done my jaundice a deal of good. Will you kindly send another by bearer. Truly yours,

”F. M.”

It was a capital prescription which had done his jaundice good. There was so great a demand for it, that I kept it mixed in a large pan, ready to ladle it out to the scores of applicants who came for it.

Sometimes they would send for other and no less important medicines.

Here is such an application from a sick officer:--

”Mrs. Seacole would confer a favour on the writer, who is very ill, by giving his servant (the bearer) a boiled or roast fowl; if it be impossible to obtain them, some chicken broth would be very acceptable.

”I am yours, truly obliged,

”J. K., 18th R. S.”

Doesn't that read like a sick man's letter, glad enough to welcome any woman's face? Here are some gentlemen of the Commissariat anxious to speak for me:--

”Arthur C----, Comm. Staff Officer, having been attacked one evening with a very bad diarrhoea at Mrs.

Seacole's, took some of her good medicine. It cured me before the next morning, and I have never been attacked since.--October 17th, 1855.”

”Archibald R. L----, Comm. Staff, Crimea, was suffering from diarrhoea for a week or more; after taking Mrs.

Seacole's good medicines for two days, he became quite well, and remained so to this day.--October 17th, 1855.”

Here is Mr. M----, paymaster of the Land Transport Corps, ready with a good account of my services:--

”I certify that Madame Seacole twice cured me effectually of dysentery while in the Crimea, and also my clerk and the men of my corps, to my certain knowledge.”

And some of the men shall speak for themselves:--

”Stationary Engine, December 1, 1855.

”I certify that I was severely attacked by diarrhoea after landing in the Crimea. I took a great deal of medicine, but nothing served me until I called on Mrs.

Seacole. She gave me her medicine but once, and I was cured effectually.

”Wm. Knollys, Sergt., L.T.C.”

”This is to certify that Wm. Row, L.T.C, had a severe attack of illness, and was in a short time restored to health by the prompt attention and medical skill of Mrs.

Seacole, British Hotel, Spring Hill, Crimea.”

Many of my patients belonged to the Land Transport and Army Works Corps. The former indeed were in my close neighbourhood, and their hospital was nearly opposite to the British Hotel. I did all I could for them, and have many letters expressive of their grat.i.tude. From them I select the following:--

”Head-Quarters, Camp, Crimea, June 30, 1856.

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