University of Virginia Library

Had I been differently circumstanced I would have written
in answer to your kind letters long before this. For the
last week I have been greatly troubled with neuralgia in my left
side, & the same indescribable suffering in my back and bowels
as when with you: and to add to my uncomfortableness there is
but little else around me but noise an confusion. The workmen
are here at last, and the family and every thing else almost have
to be crowded into this the new part of the house so that I have
but a poor chance of getting much quiet or rest. This morning
however my nerves are somewhat composed & I take advantage of
this unusual circumstance to write.

I was truly concerned to hear that you had had so much
affliction in your family, and especially that you had suffered
so much yourself. Tom's illness must have frustrated your domestic
arrangements very much. Indeed I dont see how you managed to
get along without him. By this time I hope he is able to discharge
his duties and you are relieved of much trouble and anxiety. Bodily
and family afflictions are the orderings of a wise and gracious
God, and designed for our good, tho' for the time grievous
to be borne. Evidences are they of our Father's loving and caring
for us—they are the promptings of his love, and looking to him as
their author the deepest pang of body and soul is sweet. As you
said, Sister, 'tis all important that we should make religion the
chief business of life. Almost every day some friend or acquaintance
falls around us, reminding us that we too are mortal and know
not how soon we may likewise fall. Uncle Ryland Rodes, Pa's oldest
brother died week before last of Pneumonia. On Saturday morning
his physicians thought him in a fair way to get well; but before
the middle of the day the disease seize the brain and he died on
Sunday evening. Pa was sent for on Saturday night & got to his
house about noon Sunday; but his Brother never knew him—he had
fallen into a stupor and never opened his eyes except when suffering
great pain, and then there was no expression-all consciousness
was gone. His family is most deeply distressed and all that we can
hope is that they may become resigned, and be profited by their
deep affliction.

We have been very much concerned about Brother for some
while; but he is better now and we think is getting well. About a
month ago he took a deep cold and we feared it was about to fix
itself upon his lungs-he had a cough-look very badly & had night
sweats. I hope the worst is over with him.

I did not undertake music and French as I designed. I
found that I could not stand it, at least I would have little or
no satisfaction in doing it, for the least effort of mind affects
my nerves so much that I would have been in a continued state of
excitement. And to practice too I w.d have had to have occupied
pretty nearly the very spot in which my loved one breathed his
last, and this was too great a trial.

I have not heard from over the mountain for two weeks. I

fully expected a letter from Carrie by the last mail, and
being so anxious to hear from Mother I was greatly disappointed
in not getting one.

Minnie and Lucy send many thanks to Aunt Eliza for
the nice dresses you sent them. Lucy is talking very
plainly now, says almost any thing she wishes. Ma, Miss
Sherman and the girls unite with me in love to you &
family. My love to Mary and Maria. I hope to hear from
you soon.