Kane, Father Richard, Santa Fe, Isle of Pines, to Archbishop Anthony Blanc, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1856 February 19

When it was recommended to Kane to try the mineral waters of this island he demurred until medical advice gave sanction. Father Planas, C.M. with whom he lodged a few days in Havana, sent for an excellent physician who told Kane to come here. The physician found many defects in Kane's consititution. He told Kane to take a good deal of exercise to expand his chest, to avoid talking and to gargle with the hot water found in the bottom of a little stream which is intended to cure a bronchial affection. The physician thinks the reasons of all Kane's complaints is his excessive slenderness which he must try to cure. This is the same that Dr. Duffel told Kane. Kane has a bed in the room of Father Bosch, C.M. and takes his meals at a concern they call a hotel. The doctor told him that 3 weeks will be enough for the bronchitis. Kane will return to Havana for Holy Week and then take the first boat for New Orleans. His trip here last Sunday was very pleasant. At six o'clock, after passing through the fairy plantations of Cuba, they met a steamer for here. The Captain showed him every attention. Nature appeared magnificent but Kane was suffering intensely from neuralgia and more disposed to be peevish than poetic. At 6 p.m. they arrived at a small village on this island called Nueva Gerona where he passed the night. Next morning he gave his carpetbag to a muleteer and came on horseback. For a distance of 12 miles, he paid dearly but had the satisfaction of riding a swift horse. P.S. The last time Kane saw the Bishop, he was kinder than ever. He told Kane not to leave for the United States without calling again and promised to pass this way if he could. :: VI-1-j A.L.S. 4pp. 12mo.