Sunday night
My Dear child

     I set down to let you know how we are I try to feel thankful that I can say we are well as usual Your papa Lucy and Nancy set off early friday and expect providence permiting to return tomorrow they were so much excited at the thought of the trip that I feared some disappointment but by the goodness of God they got off without any trouble I really thought Lucy wold go crazy with joy they went in cousen Ben's barouche Mary Wolf is staying with us till they come I saw cousen Mary today she will write this week
I got your letter today and I cannot tell you how thankful I felt when I found you were still enjoying good health oh my child I hope you do not forget to thank your blessed father in heaven for such kindness and pray to him to continue to guide and and protect from yielding to temptations as well as well as from sickness we know afflictions are meant for our good what would poor Mrs Gentry do without the comfort of religion they are amost distressed family poor Jane stands no more among us Mr Dadroy told us today she gave strong evidenc of being a true child of God she met death at first calmly at last triumphantly Oh how many that stood in that aisle when she did and proposed to make the Saviour theirs I say, how many of that number will be able to meet Death calmly Examine yourself my child daily and ask the lord to "Give ear to your prayer" I was sorry when I heard Aunt Betsy was dead but we know she has gone the all men go she lived her time out and I trust is enjoying a better world Where sorrows end I feel distressed to hear of cousen John being so sick I earnestly hope by the mercy of god he will be spared long to his family
     I would be glad for you to come down if it is entirely convenient if Miss H is satisfied I am willing you should start friday Give my love her and to all Our friend Emelie is much distressed by mr Ellis being sick he is ill with fever
     I must stop Lucy will write when she comes

     I do not know if you can make it out or no your affectionate Mother

E. A. White