2 page autographed Bifolium to James R. Williams, April 20, 1842

New Bedford, MA, 1842. 2 page autographed Bifolium to James R. Williams, April 20, 1842. New Bedford, MA: 1842. Dr. Lyman Bartlett was one of the leading physicians of New Bedford. He studied in Paris and took a liberal position when some physicians disparaged homeopathy. His view while conventional felt that it's major points ought to be considered by medical science. This letter is written to his friend James R. Williams in Constantine, Michigan on behalf of his brother Edwin (1812-1903) who wanted a loan to establish a sheep business in Wisconsin. Dr. Bartlett lists nine serious questions as to the feasibility of his brother's proposed idea. He is concerned for the good of his brother and clearly is willing to help him financially. In an interesting aside, he speaks of the concerns of the whale men in Massachusetts who fear the rise of land oil will end their profession. He notes the rising sickness (contemporary accounts speak of lung disease thought to be tuberculosis. Finally, he notes the economic issue and hopes for a new tariff (undefined). In 1852 he was among the Medical examiners at Harvard's Anatomical Museum. Folded, addressed and stamped New Bedford, MA, April 21, with partial wax red seal.