Dear Brother Charles,

beginning in life -- with so many anticipations of happiness -- and sometimes it seems cruel -- but God's wisdom and purpose ought not to be questioned -- "His ways are above our ways, and his wisdom past finding out --
I have lavished all the wealth of my affection upon William -- and in return I received the best gift that God ever bestowed upon me -- namely -- his pure and undivided love -- Do you wonder that life has no charms for me -- bereft as I am of such dear companionship?
     William expressed a wish to live to see his brother once more -- said it was hard to die -- and leave so many kind friends -- but said it was all for the best -- Oh said he -- God doeth all things well -- His suffering were very great for a few hours before he died -- but he died peacefully -- without a struggle -- He said he could go contented if he could only take me with him -- But he is gone -- and I have nothing left but the memory of his love to console me That is something that the world cannot take

from me -- But I miss him -- Oh how sadly I miss him --
     I have not been very well ever since William died -- I have had a very hard cold -- but it is some better now --
     I had a letter from John folks last week -- John and Mary [i.e., John and Mary Caley, the author's brother-in-law and sister-in-law] were well -- but the baby is not doing very well -- only gained a pound and three quarters (in weight) they wrote --
I am afraid they will not raise it -- it is so puny --
We received a few lines from Milton last week -- He was in that great battle at Gettysburg Pennsylvania -- but came out safe -- Charles Carroll was killed -- and James Melton mortally wounded -- since reported dead -- Thus our brave boys are falling daily -- victims to this unjust rebellion --
Royal Prouty is at home -- I have not seen him -- but those that have seen him -- say that he looks worse than William did when he died -- I hope careful nursing will restore him to health again -- I was glad to hear that you were well -- William worried a great deal -- when

you wrote that you had that chronic diarrhea -- He was afraid you would run down with it --
     Tommy has just been here -- He is at work for Uncle Callow now -- His side troubles him a great deal -- He has been down to Painesville to see Dr Clark -- He thinks he will get over his lameness in time - but did not seem to think he would immediately -- He is taking his medicine now and I hope it will help him -
     Well Charley I will close this imperfect scrawl by asking you not to cease writing to me -- but write as often as you can -- Unworthy as I am -- I desire to be remembered by Williams friends -- This will be a great consolation to me in this my hour of trial and affliction --

From your sorrowing Sister
Sarah.O.Caley.

To Charles.C.Caley.

P.S. I sent a copy of the Painesville Telegraph to you -- containing a notice of Williams death -- did you get it? S.O.C.