Photo by National Library of Medicine, Bethesda (Md.)

Reed relates that he is compiling statistics and writing a report for 1875.

Reed teases Emilie Lawrence about a rumor of her impending marriage. He plans a visit to see her.

Reed teases Emilie Lawrence about not writing and about attentions from Professor Sharpe. He discusses small pox cases among children on the post.

Reed has received no letter from her, but offers a meditation on patience.

Reed must postpone his visit to see her.

Reed writes of visitors to the Willet's Point base and his treatment of the sick.

Reed describes sleigh rides he has taken with the ladies of the army base at Willet's Point. He teases Emilie Lawrence.

Reed reiterates his devotion to Emilie Lawrence.

Reed arranges a visit to Norfolk and Murfreesboro. He describes social events at the army base at Willet's Point.

Reed acknowledges the receipt of his commission as Assistant Surgeon, U.S. Army, February 17, 1876.

Reed writes Emilie Lawrence to expect his impending arrival

Reed misses Emilie Lawrence. He is thankful for the time spent with her.

Reed visits a sick friend in Brooklyn. He was impressed with Baltimore on his trip home.

Reed describes the visit of dignitaries - including General William T. Sherman - to the post at Willet's Point.

Reed teases Emilie Lawrence that his finger was injured by her. He describes cases of measles at the base.

Reed has not heard from Emilie Lawrence. He tells her he misses her, and reports on cases of measles at the base.

Reed misses Emilie Lawrence. He resolves to be a better Christian.

Reed teases Emilie Lawrence.

Reed remarks on the ingratitude of patients. He informs Emilie Lawrence that he will be in a play.

Reed studies Emilie Lawrence's French grammar. He assures her of his devotion. He visits Central Park, New York City.

The Army post expects a visit from Gen. William T. Sherman and the Secretary of War. Reed anticipates his upcoming marriage to Emilie Lawrence.

Reed awaits his new orders. His replacement has arrived.

Reed is ordered to San Francisco. He will visit Emilie Lawrence with a “startling request.”

Reed reports that he has taken up his temporary assignment at his posting at Fort Yuma, California.

William Lazear writes about the Centennial Exhibition. He also provides family news.

McKee reports to the Surgeon General that Reed has his hospital in “most excellent condition.” He also mentions Reed's personal qualities that have won him the confidence of all. [Courtesy of the National Archives and Records Administration]

Reed describes his family life, his reunion with Emilie Lawrence Reed, and their journey to Camp Lowell.

Quarantine Precautions Against Yellow Fever

Incidents of the Scourge at the South

New York's Contribution to the Suffering South

The front page of this issue has illustrations of New York citizens donating to victims of yellow fever.

The Yellow Fever Visitation. Terrible Scenes in New Orleans and Memphis.

The Lessons of Calamity

This table charts deaths from smallpox and yellow fever in Havana, from 1870-1879.

Camp Father Mathew, in Memphis, Tenn., During the Yellow Fever Epidemic

McKee approves Reed's request for a month's leave of absence.

Emilie Lawrence Reed and her young son, Walter Lawrence Reed, begin a trip east from Arizona.

Reed waits for Mrs. Compton in order to accompany her to an Army post. He misses his wife and son, and asks his wife to hire a nurse for their son.

Reed describes a trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico. He hears news of Emilie Lawrence Reed from a train conductor.

Reed writes that he received her letter to him.

Reed continues his trip back to Fort Apache, Arizona. He has not heard from her lately.

Reed's trip to Fort Apache, Arizona continues. He describes a river crossing. Col. Compton, post commander, travels out to meet Reed and Mrs. Compton.

Reed arrives at Fort Apache. He describes his house, and relays news of their friends. He studies Spanish.

Reed hopes that his wife's health improves. He offers news of colleagues at Fort Apache and hopes for an assignment back east. He has received no letter from her.

Reed describes a carriage ride. He responds to a letter from Emilie Lawrence Reed, giving her financial advice and offering news of acquaintances.

Reed describes enlisting Indian scouts and camping in the wilderness.

Reed writes that he appreciates Emilie Lawrence Reed's sacrifices. His son will be 18 months old on June 4, 1879. He sends his love and misses them.

Reed teases Emilie Lawrence Reed. He offers news from the base. He is glad to hear that she is feeling better.

Reed has photographs of his wife and son, and asks if they remember him. He gives news of their acquaintances and his Spanish studies.

Reed describes a Native American at the fort, as well as his house and garden. Life on the base is dull, so he anticipates a new home with his wife and son.

Reed writes about finances, promising to send money to her. She wants him to get an eastern assignment. He gives news about acquaintances.

Yellow Fever in Memphis

Reed has heard no word from Emilie Lawrence Reed regarding a necklace he sent her. He studies Spanish, and will take the medical exam when he returns. He gives news of the post commissary and their acquaintances.

Reed agrees to send McPherson supplies.

Reed's letter to his wife includes his thoughts on scouting, his work to get the hospital property ready for inspection, an upcoming court martial, and his side-whiskers.

Memphis Under Quarantine Rule

Reed writes that he has heard rumors that [McPherson] wishes to have his commission annulled. Reed disapproves of this.

Reed teases McPherson concerning military reports and life in the field.

Reed teases McPherson, and writes about debts, pay, and military assignments.

Reed learns that McPherson will return to Fort Apache. Reed refers to other soldiers, and teases McPherson.

Reed hopes his son remembers him. Reed learns he will not have an assignment to Fort Thomas. He notes that the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad is moving closer to Fort Apache. He writes about finances and military personnel.

Reed is glad Emilie and their son made it safely to Norfolk. He describes his friend Cruse as well as several women who have been kind to him. He encourages his wife to have her photograph taken and to attend the theater.

Reed corrects Emilie Lawrence Reed's misapprehension about the date of his reassignment. He expects to return east by June 30.

Reed is concerned about his son's illness. He observes a beautiful snowfall, and gives details about a hunting trip on which Native Americans accompany him.

Reed teases McPherson and writes that he cannot take more leave to be McPherson's best man. Reed will travel to Warrenton, Virginia and to White Sulphur Springs.

Lafferty gives brief biographical sketches of Lemuel S. Reed and James C. Reed.

Reed writes about military companies and scouting duty. He states he does not want his wife at the post if he must go out on scouting duty.

Reed forwards mail to McPherson. Reed contemplates having his wife and son return west.

Reed explains how he forgot to mail McPherson's letter and is holding his mail for him. Reed's family will not rejoin him.

Reed has clothing sent to McPherson. McPherson testifies in U.S. vs. McGowan. Reed writes concerning medical matters.

Reed writes of a post controversy regarding officers' duties and conduct.

Reed writes about lost dental tools. He comments on McPherson's scouting assignment and the resolution of a controversy concerning insubordination. He gives post news.

Reed describes his departure from Arizona, and the confusion in getting his next permanent assignment. He awaits McPherson's visit.

Crane informs Reed the Surgeon General will approve his request for a leave of absence.

Reed requests one month of leave with permission to apply for an extension of two months. Several endorsements of the request dated May 27, 1880 to June 5, 1880 are included.

Reed is glad McPherson arrived safely back at the post. He comments on their new roommate. Reed's wife is sick.

Carter describes the ailments of his patients to his mother.

Walter Reed requests and is granted a one-month extension to his leave of absence.

McPherson is sick and resting. Reed is studying for a medical exam.