University of Virginia Library

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Carrie's long"looked for" has come at last, but I believe
I will stand to my resolution to write to you. I would have written
to you before this but my sufferings and interruptions have
been such as to render it almost impossible. I am extremely sorry
to hear by Carrie's letter of your increased indisposition & sufferings.
Tis comforting to know that afflictions and sufferings
are of God & his hand meeteth only enough to accomplish his design
with us, which is always for our good. A perfect reliance upon
him, an unwavering faith in Christ & a willingness to submit to
him to do with as seemeth to him good is his will always with
the children of men & if this be gained the promised reward is
sure. I trust much grace is given you, & you are being made perfect
through sufferings even as our glorious Redeemer was made
perfect by his sufferings here. He has suffered much yea much more
than any human being has ever suffered & can & does sympathize
with you, but look to Him & he will enable you to bear—all is
the chastening of your Father in Heaven & you will be made more
mete for the enjoyment of those pleasures reserved for you at his
right hand. May you be mightily comforted & supported is my prayer

I am still suffering greatly from my ride over-my bowels
were made exceedingly sore by the jolting across the mountains
it must be some time yet before I entirely recover. You know that
whenever they trouble me, I suffer much from depression of spirits
& I have suffered greatly in this way. I sometimes think tis
rather increasing than otherwise. I feel so lonely and desolate
sometimes that I almost wish for death, but I am still determined
to strive to trust God and submit to his will concerning me. My
dear little ones are pretty well, & are as much petted as ever-sometimes
I think more so. Lucy at least. The whooping cough is
here & I am sure they will have it. I fear some for Minnie-her
constitution being weaker than Lute's. Pa has made an engagement
with Mr. Keagy to take their Daguerotypes, & I hope to get them
before they take it & if so you shall have one. I am very sorry
tis here, because it has caused me to give up all hope of seeing
Sister Mag. & Willie here this fall, & even if they should come
to the University I cannot see them. But in this as in other
things we must submit.

I am glad to tell you that Brother is improving. He is
looking better & is walking & riding about a good deal, has gone
to see sister Bottie today to stay some days, within the last week
has gained five pounds. His disease is almosy exactly like Dr. H's
his physicians feared greatly for him & were candid enough to tell
him. His spirits are pretty good now, & he is greatly encouraged
to hope getting well again. He doesn't give into my plan of going
to Taylor's Springs-the alum water (the Doctors say) is what he
ought to drink, & he prefers being at home to any where else.
Johnnie is complaining a good deal tonight from being in the dust
made by threshing wheat, I hope & think tho' that by morning he
will be relieved. Pa & Addie aro complaining of their throats, the
rest are in common health.

I have not seen any of Brother's family since I came over,
nor even heard from them that I recollect of. I am going to write
to Sister next week I hope, wished to do so last, & this week, but

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Lucy says I must tell "Damma" she has pretty chickens
& she & aunt Fanniem & aunt Mary & aunt Mag & Willie must come
to see her & live with her. Minnie sends kisses & love to you,
her aunts & Willie. Ma, Pa, & all unite with me in sending love
to each & all. I hope to hear from you soon & that you are
better. Good bye. Heaven bless & preserve you is the prayer of
your lonely, afflicted child