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which he had persisted in using, notwithstanding my most positive instructions to the contrary the last attack was more Severe and Some what different in nature to the first for Several attacks of his coughing lasting in one instance Six hours which yeilded only to the most extreme administration of Ether gave great cause to fear his Sudden dissolution He continued in a low and nervous State much of the time delirious and Scarvely ever able to control himself till within a few days Sail of San Francisco about Decr 1st" when he exhibited a decided improvement at no time from his first Attack Sept 20/th" was he competent to take Command of the Shio or even to give orders to his first Officer and I strictly forbade it during the entire Voyage on return.
      By his own "Acknowledgement his life was Saved through constant and watchful treatment his recovery would doubtless have been more rapid and complete had he but adhered to the frequent promise he made to abstain from the use of Stimulants I have been thus minute in description of this case from its peculiarities and as also Showing Somewhat the difficulties under which Officers of the Expidition and Ship labored But one accident occured during the entire