Box 1

From S. Silsbee at Bangor. Mary is to come on to Bangor. Travel plans revealed. Method, cost and people involved. Mother's condition is poor.

From S. Silsbee at Bangor. Asks a friend to assist his wife. Describes travel plans via steamboat to Belfast. Tells his friend the best position on the boat. A message is also conveyed to Mary from Mr. Smith concerning the trip and boat schedule.

From M. Silsbee at Calais. S. has gone on a ride to Machias for a visit. His symptoms are improved - less coughing this morning - but it is no doubt a relief from the effects of the medicine. Just taking Balsam once or twice a day now. His cough gets better then worsens, but the head is the principle problem. Great difficulty in deciding whether to relocate themselves to Jackson, Me.

From M. Silsbee at St. Stephen, N.B. Mary informs her mother that Samuel's mother has passed away. Samuel is very ill with a bad cough and lung congestion. Samuel cannot keep school and has sent for his sister Mary to assist in the school.

From S. Silsbee at Machias. Samuel reveals his travel plans to Bangor. He is very ill at this time. Suffers from inflammation of the brain which affects the whole brain and nervous system as well as chronic bronchitis.

From S. & M. Silsbee at Jackson, Me. Samuel continues to worsen. Explains his medication. Writing very poor. Mary feels little hope for him and she must prepare for the separation. Family Talk.

From S. & M. Silsbee at Jackson, Me. Samuel worsens - is much weaker. Inhales iodine, but no affect is noticed. Oct 2 - Mary finishes letter. Samuel is resigned to the will of God.

From M. Silsbee at Jackson, Me. Mary writes to a friend. Philosophy of perfectionism and sickness. Samuel's doctor is a quaker.

From M. Silsbee at Jackson, Me. S. is declining rapidly and the doctor thinks there is every indication of a speedy termination. From this letter it can be believed that Miss Mary Silsbee never took her brothers school at Calais. 3) Mrs. S. explains her deepest feelings toward her husband.