 | Berkeley papers |  |
I wished to write to you this week, but have been so
much occupied that I could hardly command the time. It is now
nearly 12 o'clock at night, and I necessarily wearied with the
day's work & care, so that I shall hardly be disposed to write
more than a few lines. I am afraid if I defer writing until Monday,
I may be prevented. We have still some sickness in our family.
Rosalie, we were confident, had the measles some weeks ago, although
the eruption was very slight, (if it was eruption at all, which now
seems more than doubtful) and she was very little ailing. She returned
with her mother Wednesday from Mr. Geo. Rives complaining as
if she had caught cold. She has been moping & looked badly ever
since. Today she has been feverish & more ailing, and now the eruption
of measles has manifested itself. The same thing has occurred
with two of the black children. Bob has nearly quite recovered, and
Flora is walking about some.
Eliza received Mary Jane's letter yesterday, for which we
very thankful. We were glad to learn that you were generally something
better, although still suffering. I hope you may gradually
improve, and that you are resigned to the will & appointment of
your Heavenly Father. Commit yourself to His care, assured that he
will order all things for the best. Never distrust his goodness and
watchful care. We want no other proof of his unbounded love and compassion
than that we have in the gift of His Son to ransom us from
the death of sin to the life of righteousness.
Mary Jane mentioned that Williette was ailing. I hope the
dear little one is better. We shall be very anxious to hear from
her. I understood from Col. Yancey, whom I saw a moment yesterday,
on his way to Richmond, that Mr. Rodes had gone over the mountains.
I trust Mary is better in health and spirits. I think it a good
thing that they have formed a class for studying French. It will
afford Mary useful diversion. It is good for us to be employed. Only
let it be usefully, and, if possible, not in excess. By the way, I
think you should be careful not to fatigue yourself with sitting
up too long at a time. You must be exceedingly feeble, & may very
probably exhaust your little strength before you are aware.
I am so anxious to see you & the rest of the family, that
I shall hasten over as soon as I can after the close of the session.
But I do not pretend to form any plans as yet. I have so much work
on hand, and so much commonly to attend to after the session closes,
that I hardly can see yet at what time I may get away. If my life
& yours are spared, I shall hope to see you early in July.
Give my love to all the family, including Margaret & Wm.
Stevens, & to Aunt Baxter.
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