Pikeville Aug. 1859

Beloved wife

We have to begin again our correspondence, a miserable expedient, though the best we can do under the circumstances. I thought I could return and go along awhile pretty well without you, but home had no charms when I came home. It sighed for you before an hour. I feel if possible more lonely than before I went to see you. Now it seems so long till I can expect to see you. 

I trust, or I would fain trust, that Mother will improve now from what you wrote about the effect of Dr. Frazier's medicine. I would be glad it could be so, but it looks like it is improbable unless it be temporarily. But let us leave off these speculations and leave it with Him "who doeth all things well." Let us do our duties, and all will come off well. I know you do all you can for her, and you will hereafter feel none the worse for it. We never fully appreciate our parents till they are lost. Then very often, too late, we see our ingratitude. I have often, since the death of my parents felt that I would be so glad to have an opportunity of confessing my ingratitude to them. You, being yourself a parent, know something of the debt due to parent from the child. It will be a great satisfaction to you hereafter to remember that you did all you could to alleviate her sufferings. I know you have a bad chance to do much for her on account of our children.

I did not get home tuesday. I stayed at Uncle John Frailey's. I found things all right so far as I know. Bro. Metcalfe and Mrs. Simpson stayed at the Hotel on their way to Sparta last night.

The meeting closed yesterday. Bros. Witherspoon, Love, and Seitz attended. Bro. Buch not here but 2 additions and they are thought to be no account.

Camp meeting at Cedar grove Sunday. I believe I will go. I must quit for I know nothing important to write and Mr. Howard is now P.M. (Mr. More is gone to buy goods) and he wants to make up his mails to-night.

God bless you is the wish of your


W.J. Hill


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Transcription used with permission of Charles Massey.

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Transcription by Charles Massey.
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