Please Address
Sept 28th 1874
35 South St. 6 AM
Park Lane W.
My dear Sir:
I have always heard with pleasure of you till this time when your severe
accident fills me with sincere regret. I trust however that your recovery
will be perfect.
I shall always remember your great kindness with gratitude:
and the efficient labour you were so willing to undertake for us.
I am sorry
to say that I am quite unable at present to comply with your request for
information. It is 18 years ago: All my Crimean War records are packed in
chests which have not been opened for years. And it seems to me 180 years ago,
so far am I removed from that time by War Office business, India business,
Nursing business. (N.B. In answer to one question, I came up 3 times to the
Crimea from Scutari in 1855 and '56.)
I am and have been for years entirely
a prisoner to my couch from ever increasing illness, and at this moment I
am in charge of my poor widowed mother away from home.
I am sure that your
kindness will receive this excuse for not doing what you ask: (I who would
so gladly do anything, however trifling, at your request).
As well as for
this brief note, written under pressure of business and illness.
But pray
believe me, dear Sir, ever your faithful servant,
Florence Nightingale
Lt. Col. Baird, R.E.
