Letter from Tom Fennell to his sister Hitty, 5th July 1848

Postmarked July 5 1848

mention to Will, had I not fallen short of room, but it will most likely reach his ear, through you. It was about a little dog of no beauty, of no accomplishments but of the plain breed of the [township?]. Well you must know that in this country we have many venomous reptiles, among these are serpents, which frequently bite and kill different animals, but a good dog whenever it sees one of these things invariably attacks and if possible kills it; in the fray they occasionally get bit and die; among these serpents the black is the most dangerous and it is said its bite always proves fatal. The little dog that I named is particularly active in killing these snakes. It has been bit several times by snakes, twice by black snakes, as soon as it is bit it always goes to the water’s edge, appears to eat some herb (we have never been able to ascertain what) and recovers. The swelling of the wound continues increasing until sundown, when it abates, and the little animal is always quite well in the morning. Anything that is bit by one of these snakes, expires in about 20 minutes. You will well imagine that the little dog is a great pet with us all .

more the next time. Give my remembrance to all who have any regard for me, rich and poor, particularly to Aunt Mary and may the blessing of God be with and remain with you forever.

I remain my dear Hity
your affectionate brother
Nathaniel Thos. Fennell.

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