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We received Caroline's letter yesterday and were greatly
pained to hear that you still continued so ill. We trust that a
merciful Providence will still raise you up from your bed of
sickness and once more restore you to your friends. I regret exceedingly
that we are so far separated. It would afford us inexpressible
happiness to be able to minister to your comfort in
any way, & to assist in nursing, or any other duty, but alas!
all we can do is to offer our sincere and fervent supplications
at a throne of grace in your behalf that the Good Being may continue
to vouchsafe his mercy and tender compassion to you, in
this your hour of suffering and bodily affliction. Whether in
life or death, we feel well assured his sustaining grace will be
with you, his promises are never failing "as our day is, so shall
our strength be". That such may be your experience is the sincere
wish of our hearts. We cannot help cherishing a hope that we
shall hear more favorable accounts in the next letter. The girls
will of course regularly inform us how you are getting on.
We were all much gratified to hear that Margaret Caroline
and Williette arrived at home in perfect health and safety. It
was most fortunate they went the day they did, the weather has
been so very unfavorable subsequently. We seem likely to have more
winter than we have had for some time. We indulge a hope that we
may possibly get ice after all; under other circumstances I should
deprecate the return of cold weather.
Most of our family have been more or less sufferers from
colds. Edward was very sick yesterday. He had a most distressing
pain in his face, superadded to a bad cold in his head. To-day he
is a good deal better, and I hope will soon be well again. Bobbie
has been quite sick, but is getting well again. I think we have
had more sickness in our family this winter than we have had for
many years. There has been an unusual amount of sickness among
the students. I believe there are no very serious cases at this
time. Mr. Hamilton is recovering. We were feeling much solicitude
about him at one time.
I suppose the girls have told you how ill poor old Mrs.
Quinn has been. She is now hovering as it were between life and
death. I know you will be happy to hear that she has been humbly
and sincerely striving to make her peace with God, and we hope has
received his pardoning mercy. When Dr. Harrison and I last saw
her she could not speak without great pain and difficulty, but
made very significant signs expressive of her faith and trust in
her Saviour and her entire reliance on him & his mercy and salvation.
I trust devoutly she may exchange this life for a brighter
happier existence. Poor Mrs. Nicholas has at last gone to her
reward. I feel deeply for good old Mr. Rohr, in the feebleness
and infirmities of age, thus to be called on to bear so heavy a
trial. In all probability he will ere long be re-united to his
loved family. I now beg my best love may be given all the family.
Dr. Harrison and the children also send their love.
we forgot to send the money to Fannie. I will enclose it
in this letter.
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