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Tuesday, December 29, 1891

Tuesday, December 29, 1891

Saw W. at 8:20 in his room. He slept. I did not disturb him. He looked much as before. Breathed shortly and with labor. Mrs. Keller had kept watch till two, then had slept from two till seven. She had kept some notes for me. Showed a quiet night. To Philadelphia then. Brinton in inquiringly and to say his mother was worse and he could not go to Washington at all. McKay's father died last night. Was taken sick same day as W.—grip, then pneumonia. We are all startled, too, by the death of Ralph Moore—yesterday: a giant, rosy with health. Bucke exclaims, "Some recklessness in it, I'd swear." I have written Bucke twice today. Have also written Wallace and Ingersoll. Sent no cable tonight. Bolton salutation to W. today: "Love from all." Wallace writes, date 19th. On the 20th I sent them the first cable.

Again at 328 at 6:10. W. resting easily enough. Longaker and McAlister had met and consulted again. They reported "no change." I was down again at eight and stayed till 10:15, talking a while with Mrs. Keller—who shortly went to bed—and then with Warrie. Several times W. called Warrie in his sleep, and when Warrie went in he found W. did not wish him. The hiccoughing and moaning constant. The hiccoughing suspended the greater part of the day, but now returned with vigor. It fills W.'s mouth and makes talking difficult. Here are the notes Mrs. Keller handed me:

Dec. 29th 1891 8 o'clock am Respiration 17 Pulse 74  
  8.30 Awoke. Washed hands in warm water, which he apparently enjoyed. Holding his hands in the water of his own choice. Sponged face, and washed back after turning him on his right side. Bathed back with lotion. Asked if Horace had been here. On being told he had, and that Dr. B. had gotten off in safety, said, "That was what I wished to enquire about." 9 Hiccough—not severe. Note: Has taken nothing but water in nearly 24 hours. 9.45 Ate one egg—also piece of toast 2 inches square. Wished to sit up on edge of bed to eat, but let me feed him lying down, in which position he had no difficulty in taking his food. When I said, "Mr. W. don't think because I am a nurse you must eat when you do not wish to"—he replied, "You will find me very self-willed when you come to know me." 10 Quiet—slight hiccough—occasionally cough with raising of mucus. 10.30 Respiration 30—taken while sleeping. 10.45 Movement of bowels, large. Was lifted on commode. Did not seem much exhausted by it. Warren lifted him. 11 Quiet—breathing easily. 12 Has been sleeping for some time. 12.20 Hiccough, awoke. 1 Sleeping on back. 1.15 Awoke for a short time. Asked to sit up on edge of bed for a moment. Helped him up. After sitting one minute requested to be laid down saying, "I am very very weak." 1.30 Quiet—excepting a slight hiccough. 3.15 Pulse 71—Respiration 23. 4 Sleeping or quiet. 5 & 6 Condition unchanged.
Morris asks for a copy of "Good-Bye" in sheets for Arthur Stedman, who has written for it.

W. ate soft-boiled egg—toast two inches square—this morning. Refused clam juice—says he does not like it. This recommended by Burroughs.

Afternoon. McAlister: "How are you feeling?"

"I'm feeling so-so. Rather worried over Dr. Bucke. He went last night." Then to Warrie, "Did Dr. Bucke get off all right?" And added, "I was rather afraid he might come to harm, as he was five minutes late and is of a reckless disposition anyhow."

Warrie told him he got off all right—that I had duly so reported. W. had also spoken to Mrs. Keller about this.

Last night Warrie heard W. several times murmur "Mother." Last week I, too, heard this same word, as I watched, alone, in the next room—once stepping in to W.'s bed and listening intently to catch what he said in connection with it. But though other words seemed spoken, I could not rescue one.

8:30 P.M. Asked Warrie, "Give me another pillow." "Hadn't I better lift you up higher?" "Maybe that would do."

9 P.M. Warrie offered to turn him and he said, "I am sick, sick and tired and don't know which way to turn." Took some orange juice, called it "first rate." Would he have more? "Yes, but not till morning."

4 A.M. Warrie heard him moan and asked him if he was in any pain. He said, "No, not particularly. Do not let me worry you, Warrie."

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