...For fear that an alarming story may reach you, I may as well tell it you as it occurred. Cartier, Galt and myself returned from Lord Carnarvon's place in the country late at night. I went to bed but commenced reading the newspapers of the day, after my usual fashion. I fell asleep & was awakened by intense heat. I found my bed, bed clothes & curtains all on fire.
I didn't lose my presence of mind, pulled down the curtains with my hands, extinguished them with the water in my room. The pillow was burnt under my head and bolster as well. All the bed clothes were blazing. I dragged them all off on the floor & knowing the action of feathers on flame, I ripped open bolster and pillows and poured an avalanche of feathers on the blazing mass, & then stamped out the fire with my hands & feet. Lest the hair mattress might be burning internally, I then went to Cartier's bedroom, and with his assistance carried all the water in three adjoining rooms into mine, and finally extinguished all appearance of fire. We made no alarm and only Cartier, Galt and myself knew of the accident.
After it was all over, it was then discovered that I had been on fire. My shirt was burnt on my back & my hair, forehead and hands scorched. Had I not worn a very thick flannel shirt under my nightshirt, I would have been burnt to death, as it was my escape was miraculous.
It was found that my right shoulder blade was much scorched, so I got it dressed and thought no more of it. In a day or two, however I found that it would not do and have been under the Doctorís hands for a week. The wound at one time took an ugly look. I was kept in bed for three days & have not left the house these eight days. I shall take a drive today, if the doctor allows it when he calls to look at my back.
So much for that story. I had a merry Xmas alone in my own room and my dinner of tea & toast & drank all you healths in bohea though you didn't deserve it.
I was to have gone to Evan Macpherson's to dinner, if I did not go down to William Clark, but I could do neither. The town is quite empty and I have no news to tell. I shall know tomorrow whether I can have anything like a holiday, before the British Parliament meets.
Love to Hugh, Magt & the Parson & believe me,
affectionately yours,
John A. Macdonald
I got all kinds of praises for the presence of mind and admonitions agt reading in bed. I still read however. Tell the Professor to write what he wants me to get for him. Prepay all letters
