Sunday morning March 18, 1855

My dear daughter

I fear you are some uneasy on account of your father not getting to Sparta yesterday. He started yesterday morning early and went as far as the Cany fork but could not get over. He intended to cross in a canoe but it was on the other side and he could not make any one hear. He expected to cross in a canoe and then get a beast if he could. If not he was going to walk. Caincreek was also past fording and he was compeled to return home. I hope you will understand his not going, and not be uneasy. They are all gone to church. I am not very well and did not go. Joseph got home from the doctor yesterday. He crossed Rocky at old Esq. Yorks at a very shallow ford. The doctor sent for Sophia. They expected Lucies would hardly live until she would get home. She was almost frightened to death, for we had not heard that he was sick. His disease is scarlet fever. Joe was there from Thursday until yesterday. We do not know what the consequence will be.

Our lives are one continued cene of pleasures and disappointments. What a wise arraingement in providence. How kind our heavenly father is in thus arraingeing every thing for our ultimate good. The world perhaps would have a greater hold upon us if every thing was just as we could wish. We would almost forget that we are mortal. We should always recognize the hand of God in every dispensation of his providence and endeavor to be the character that can claim the promise that all things work together for our good. It is now after twelve - - they will soon return from church. I have felt to-day that it is profitable to commune with my own heart.

Sunday night

Old Mister Watson and brother Lankford was here this afternoon. Brother Watson appears to be a very intelligent christian. I trust we spent the evening profitably--the conversation was all of a religious nature. Mr. Uhlrich was here until after nine. The girls have been reading and singing all evening--they all seem contented and happy.

Monday morning

Brother Huddleston returned yesterday from Rocky river - he said little Lucies died Saturday night. Joe says they take it very hard - they have my sympathy. I know by experience it is a tender chord. Elly has the fever too, but I don't know how sick she is.

I baked you a great big cake in my big pan but could not send it. I was so sorry. Some of the boys gave Will a piece of home made sugar and he said he would rather sent it to you than to eat it his self. The children are all so anxious to see you but I do not know when they will have an opportunity. Mr. and Mrs. Livingston have gone to housekeeping. They occupy the house where Bentlys lived. I don't know how they are pleased for I have not cauled on them yet but intend to shortly.

Monday night

Mr. Clemance and Sarah came this evening and as I will have an opportunity of sending what I have written I thought I would finish it up. You will perhaps think you are getting the Spencer Journal but it is not the original, it is only an extra number. Your father told me to say to you that he would be there the third Sunday in April if he is not hindred by the high waters or something else unavoidable. I want you or Mr. Will one to be sure to write at least once a week if it is only a short note. I want to hear so much from you.

Ever your mother

EBC

Amanda says if you can send up them things she will work them at odd times. All send love to you all. Netty is just gone to bed. She says tell you good night. the bell has rung for nine. they are all gone and going to bed. I have not this much before I could not tell when. farewell for awhile.

EBC


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Transcription used with permission of Charles Massey.

Archivists:
Transcription by Charles Massey.
Image by G. Anne Sloan