Letter from Thomas Bell to an unnamed correspondent

The [illegible], Selborne
Nov 14

My dear Sir

I am much obliged
by your kind information
respecting the hedgehog. I
have known several instances
of their eating mice, and
of them proving useful in a
house, where they had been
introduced for the purpose of
destroying cockroaches. You
will find in my little book
British Quadrupeds [previous word underlined] that
mice, frogs, toads, snakes, &
hen eggs [previous two words underlined] are mentioned


Page 2

as forming their occasional food.
I have taken a note of this re=
=markable addition to the list.

[illegible] dear child is I fear becoming
more & more weakened and
emaciated and the disease
itself continues as much a
mystery as ever. You will readily [?]
imagine the anxiety – and [illegible]
we are in. Her own mind is
however so perfectly happy
and tranquil, and her spirit
so resigned, that on her [underlined] account
we have cause for great thank=
=fulness. I cannot give up
all hope yet, although I must


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not disguise from myself the
extreme danger of an unfavour=
=able termination to her long
long [?] illness. Mrs Bell bears
up wonderfully. She is indeed
supported by [illegible] who has
promised to those who fear Him
that their strength shall be
equal to their day of trial.

[illegible] my kind regards
to Mrs Buchanan & [illegible]
friends.

Believe as always
Sincerely yours
Thomas Bell