 | Berkeley papers |  |
Although I have nothing of interest to communicate, beyond
the fact that we are all in pretty good health, except Mary,
who is still suffering with her eyes, I thought I would write a few
lines to you tonight, knowing that I may have hardly any opportunity
of writing again before the end of the month. I have so many
examinations papers to read that I begin to fear that I may not be
able to complete them in time.
Eliza chanced to meet Mr. Rodes in town friday, and from
him learned that Mary and the children had reached Harrisonburg in
safety. I am glad that you will have this comfort, and trust that
Mary's health also may be improved. Tommy Rodes reported that you
were still very feeble. Tommy Harrison called a few minutes friday.
He had seen Margaret before leaving home, & said she was much better,
not only in her eyes, but also in her face. I would be glad to visit
you sooner, but cannot get away before July. Mary talks of going to
try Rawley's Springs. If so I shall endeavor to arrange it to carry
her over with me. I was sorry not to be able to see Mr. Clarke, as
I would have been glad to make his acquaintance.
I have written this not knowing whether Eliza had already
acknowledged the receipt of the box which Mr. Clarke was so kind as
to bring, and the good things it contained. They were very acceptable,
as is every thing in the way of provisions. Unfortunately the
eggs were all broken in the carrying. We have never seen such scarcity.
And yet up to this time we have always had something. Besides
the scarcity is the enormous price of every thing to eat. For young
chickens, about the size of partridges they have been asking a
shilling, but since the `association' is past, I believe the price
is reduced to 12½ cents. The price of butter was lately 37½ cents.
I believe that also has come down, probably to 25 cents. At such
prices I cannot see how most people are to make ends meet. Flour is
$14.50. Even if we have good crops, the price is likely to be high.
We must learn not be anxious about these things, but to trust more
than we have done to a kind providence. May be it is designed to
teach us this lesson. We ought to be more grateful, and to remember
more than we do how dependant we are upon our Heavenly Father for
life and all things. Above all we should trust Him for his grace,
and commit all our ways to Him.
Please give my love to all the family, including Fanny,
and Aunt Baxter, and believe me
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