Aug. 1, 1877

E. Martin, Esq.,

Dear Sir:

It is my painful duty to inform you of the death of your brother, Fred. Martin, on the 25th of July. My acquaintance with him commenced in December last, when he called on me for professional advice in regard to his children. He left here for California in February, with his children, and returned in April. In May he had an attack of sickness from which he soon recovered, and during the remainder of May and part of June, he told me he felt better than he had for years. About the middle of June he sent for me to attend him for a slight attack of diarrhoea, from which he recovered in a few days. In about a week from that time he sent for me again, and I found him suffering with dysentery. He then told me his condition pecuniarily, which was that of absolute want. I furnished him with medicine and with some means of subsistence, but finding him sinking, for the want of proper nursing and nourishment, I took him to Providence Hospital on the 11th of July, where he had the best of treatment and attention, but in spite of all care, he sank into a typhoid condition, and died at half past 1 a.m. on the 25th. Before his death he requested me to see him buried and write to you. I attended to his request, and he was buried on the 27th, in Congressional Cemetery. You will find the bill of the undertaker enclosed. He was an entire stranger to him, but on my representations, he kindly agreed to furnish coffin, &c. (I furnishing the cash required for lot and grave-digging) and trust to you for payment. Your brother left some valuable papers, which are in the hands of a party who claims to be his wife. During the short time it was my pleasure to know him, I always found him a gentleman in every respect, whose only faults were those that sprung from an over-generous nature. In fact, it was this generosity that led to his destitution. In his hour of need, those on whom he lavished his favors, basely and cruelly deserted him.

In regard to his children, I promised to attend to Ned until you could be heard from. Hattie is in Chicago, with a Mr. Byrne, whose address I will get and send you. If you desire his remains sent to California, I will attend to it for you. In any way that I can be of service to you, you may command me, and I will obey with pleasure.

Believe me sir,
Yours, respectfully,

O. K. Ketcham, M.D.
No. 37 C st N. E. (Capitol Hill)