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Rock River Pilot

1847

10 13 The Rock River Pilot, a democratic paper, made its appearance Oct. 20 (?) 1847. Its editor is Messrs. Hyer & Whitney Watertown Chronicle,

1860

12 06 Out Again

About two weeks ago since, George Hyer, now editor of the Madison Patriot, and formerly editor of the Rock River Pilot of this city, was suddenly prostrated by congestion of the lungs. He has many friend in this county who will be glad to hear of his recovery. In his paper of the 3d inst., he speaks of the occasion of his appearance in the street:

How good the fresh air seems—how sweet and refreshing and different from the hot, close atmosphere of the sick room. How blue the sky looks, and how fleecy the clouds, grown more blue and more beautiful during our long confinement. It is pleasant to look out again upon the busy streets; everybody is active, and how joyous they seem—they have before them no suspicious looking vials of red, black or white drops—no little packages, curiously marked ‘to be taken regularly once in two hours;’ they are not haunted by visions of serious faces, low voices and light steps, but go on their way joyously and boisterously. Meal times summon them to no feast of delicacies or trifles that cheat the appetite, but in health and strength the bountiful repast is taken with a relish that is a stranger to the sick man. How helpless—how weak and childlike grows the invalid, and how dependent upon the kind offices of attendants, who with noiseless step and watchful care keep vigil over the prostate form, so recently boastful of its strength. There are ministering angels—their soft hands have cooled our fevered brow and wet our parched lips—we have seen their light forms glide before us when half waking, and have heard their kind voices whispering hope and assurance when the tide of life ran low and the heart beat slowly. But we are up again. Strength comes slowly, but it comes, and the limbs again do their offices. The Dr. no longer calls, the tongue is no longer examined, or our bowels inquired after—our place is again resumed at the table, our editorial chair is one more wheeled up to is accustomed place in the old sanctum—we are again, among men—breathing the pure air and taking a hand in the ‘rough and tumble’ of life.” WD