Mrs Washington’s mouth having got much better, we commenced the application of the mercurial ointment about ten nights ago. After using it for two nights, she became apprehensive that it had affected her mouth, and of course it was thought best to discontinue the operation untill these symptoms should disappear. At this period, the experiment was extremely flattering to our hopes. To use Mrs W’s expression, the ointment, with the gentle friction used in rubbing it on, acted upon the pain in the side like a charm. It very quickly abated, and was scarcely felt again for some days after.

     After a discontinuance of three nights, when I became satisfied that either we had mistaken the symptoms, or that they were sufficiently removed, we recommenced the application of the ointment, and have now continued it for five nights. It seems hitherto to have had no effect upon the mouth, and I am sorry to add that the pain in the side is quite as constant and as severe as ever. The only intermission takes place during the operation of rubbing, and for a short time afterwards.

     The weather for a week past has been cold and damp, which may possibly have assisted to cause¹ our disappointment. This circumstance, together with the effect, which friction seems to have produced, I have thought it proper to state for your information.

     Mrs Washington’s appetite is very good, and she indulges it with the moderation, and in the mode you prescribe; but notwithstanding this, she is either extremely feeble, or is sensible of a state of lassitude not less distressing than would result from a real want of strength. Her pulse has been much quicker since she used the mercury than it formerly was, and she seldom passes a night without having a smart fever, and a depression of spirits, the consequence perhaps of her not sleeping well. Doctor Dangerfield says that the use of mercury induces debility and a quick pulse. Untill her fevor are removed, I should suppose she can hardly gain strength. The Doctor bled her the first day the ointment was used, and he thought the day before yesterday, that her pulse was so soft as not to indicate a necessity for taking more blood.

     In compliance with your directions, we have discontinued the pills ever since the mercury was first resorted to. Whether any thing can be taken in the mean time to brace the system and this to counteract the debilitating effect of the mercury is submitted to your better Judgment. I should not presume to suggest this, if Doctor Dangerfield had not expressed an opinion the other day, that it might perhaps be well if she were to take a few doses of bark every day. Her mouth is not quite well. The gums are still a little tender, and though the soreness is nearly quite gone, the ulcers have not entirely disappeared.

     There is another circumstance attending Mrs Washington's situation which I think highly important to communicate to you. The weakness in the back which has for so many years distressed her still continues, very little better or worse than it was before she used the mercury. But she observes that when she suffers most from this complaint, the pain in her side is generally most severe, from which circumstance, she is inclined to think, that possibly there may be some connexion between the two complaints. She informs me that the pain in the side today is accompanied with a kind of burning heat, of which she has not lately been sensible, though she formerly felt it.

     I beg leave to state (for Mrs W. is uncertain whether she made the communication to you in Philadelphia) that she never felt the pain in her side untill the winter of 1798, and then, immediately after she had taken large and continued doses of balsam Capiri which was advised for the weakness in the back. In the spring of 99 Doctor Jones attended her. He recommended bleeding, and a blister on the affected part, which was kept running for some time. These remedies relieved her side untill the winter of 99, when the pain returned, and with some intermissions, she has felt it more or less severe ever since. I have thought it not amiss to trouble² you with this abridged history of that complaint, lest she should have omitted it.

     She has taken no mercurial pills since her mouth was first affected by them.

     My anxiety will I am sure be a sufficient apology with you for requesting a speedy answer to this letter, that we may have as much as possible the full benefit of your advice. Mrs W. presents her best respects to you & Mrs R. I am Dear Sir very respectfully Yr mo. ob. Servt