Letter from A. Nelson Hood, White Lodge, to Dr. William Baldwin, 1897 May 8 : autograph manuscript signed.

Relating details of the recent illness and emergency surgery on the Princess Mary, Duchess of Teck; saying "I have been meaning to write to you for many days but in the anxiety of the first moments of H.R.H's illness and the succeeding days of answering telegrams and interruptions I have been unable to do so. From Prince Adolphus' telegram you will have learned that the Princess is going on well and I cannot but rejoice to say that since then she has done splendidly and in doing so without intermission so far. The mischief was a stoppage and at 7 pm Friday week an operation was decided on and carried out by Dr. Allingham with Thomas Smith & Wadd's assistance. The operation lasted an hour. A specialist anæsthetist was also engaged. All went well and the pulse in no way weakened. It has been a marvel to all - doctors included - how well H.R.H. bore it all, for neither the spirits nor general condition deteriorated, nor was there any increase of temperature & scarcely any restlessness at all. Food is now taken with good appetite, and for the last few nights she has slept 7 hours. The doctors say all danger is now passed; 4 stitches remain to be removed from the incision which has no signs of suppuration nor indeed has there been any at any time. You will readily understand our great anxiety, considering H.R.H.'s health in general and the disadvantages she was under. But the whole thing has been a triumph of surgical skill. I can honestly say that I think H.R.H. looking better than when I left her at Nauheim in Sep'r last; & Wadd says that that treatment has done much good. I am sorry not to be able to go into further details that would be well for you to know for want of medical knowledge & inability to express myself. But I learn there is much less sugar; & Wadd is quite satisfied as to general conditions. Certainly Nauheim seems to have done much for H.R.H. I wonder if we shall see you over here this year. It would be a pleasure to many & great doings are writ on the programme for June next."