We swung him in blankets, wheeled him in little carts, walked the room with him by the hour, etc., etc., but it was wonderful how little sleep he obtained after all.  He always looked wide awake and as if he did not need sleep.  His eyes had gradually become black, and when, after a day of fatigue and care with him he would at last close them, and we would flatter ourselves that now we too should snatch a little rest, we would see them shining upon us in the most amusing manner with an expression of content and even merriment.  About this time he was baptized.  I well remember how in his father’s study, and before taking him to church, we gave him to God.  He was very good while his papa was performing the ceremony, and looked so bright and so well, that many who had never seen him in his state of feebleness, found it hard to believe he had been aught save a vigorous and healthy child.  My own health was now so broken down by long sleeplessness and fatigue, that it became necessary for me to leave home for a season.  Dr. Mayhew promised to run in every day to see that all went well with Eddy.  His auntie was more than willing to take this care upon herself, and many of our neighbors offered to go often to see him, promising to do everything for his safety and comfort if I would only go.  Not aware how miserable a state I was in, I resolved to be absent only one week, but was away for a whole month.

A part of the month, with her husband and little daughter, she passed at Newburyport.  His brother, S. S. Prentiss—­whose name was then renowned all over the land as an orator and patriot—­had come North for the last time, bringing his wife and children with him.  It was a never-to-be-forgotten family gathering under the aged mother’s roof.

On my return (she continues in Eddy’s journal) I found him looking finely.  He had had an ill-turn owing to teething which they had kept from me, but had recovered from it and looked really beautiful.  His father and uncle S. S. had been to see him once during our vacation, and we were now expecting them again with his Aunt Mary and her three children and his grandmother.  We depended a great deal on seeing Eddy and Una together, as she was his twin cousin and only a few hours older than he.  But on the very evening of their arrival he was taken sick, and, although they all saw him that night looking like himself, by the next morning he had changed sadly.  He grew ill and lost flesh and strength very fast, and no remedies seemed to have the least effect on his disorder, which was one induced by teething....  For myself I did not believe anything could now save my precious baby, and had given him to God so unreservedly, that I was not conscious of even a wish for his life....  When at last we saw evident tokens of returning health and strength, we felt that we received him a second time as from the grave.  To me he never seemed the same child.  My darling Eddy was lost to me