Label Type
Cultural/Historical ContextLabel
“ The disabled steamer finally reached Aspinwall but mother was so ill from seasickness and exposure that she had to be carried off the steamer. After leaving Gorgona she was strapped on the back of a mule, but the mule refused to move. After some coaxing, he trotted off, passed all others on the way, reaching Panama far in advance. The natives helped her from the mule back and placed her on a mat for she had lost complete use of her limbs. The natives rubbed her with oil. They were very kind. She asked for a drink of water, but they persuaded her not to drink as it would make her ill. In the meantime, her brother and the rest of the passengers arrived. ”
Kathleen Cole on her mother, Mary Butler Cole
arrived in 1854 from Ireland