Page:The Life of Mary Baker Eddy (Wilbur).djvu/146

108 told her family that it was Mary’s own faith and had nothing whatsoever to do with the Portland mesmerist. As for Albert, he was not benefited, and his life ended in an early death.

Mrs. Patterson’s restored health made possible her activity in her husband’s interest. She shortly made a journey to Washington with letters from the governor of New Hampshire to President Lincoln, to intercede for his release from prison. Official action was set in motion and about the holiday season she returned to Tilton happy over the probable outcome of her trip. Shortly afterwards Dr. Patterson was released and he also came to Tilton. He was penniless, threadbare, and emaciated, a spectacle to excite commiseration. His share in the fortunes of war had been inglorious and bitter, but he had a thrilling tale to unfold and was eager to relate it. Through the assistance of his brother in Saco, Maine, and his wife’s intervention for him with her own family, he soon recovered his former prosperity, but did not at once resume his dental practise, nor did he seem disposed to reassume his domestic obligations. Some natural toleration was felt by all who knew him for his desire for a vacation and he was humored in an imaginary importance which impelled him to a lecture tour. So he departed on a leisurely round of visits to the various towns where he had formerly practised, speaking on his prison experiences.

Mrs. Patterson remained with her sister and took an active interest in the sewing circles which were organized to provide garments for the soldiers and