Thursday night Sept. 2, 1859

Much loved wife

I take a little time to write to you although you father , Uncle John, and all the boys are here, and none but myself to entertain them. I asked them to excuse me to write to you. They did so. We have just returned from the burial of your mother. I have not time now to tell you the particulars. You will learn that from father when he returns.

Father told me to tell you that he and Jo. and Will will be at home next monday. Campbell went this evening to Spencer or Rocky river. He will probably be at home next Tuesday. Erasmus will stay till I go up after you. 

I am sorrow on my own account that I am not so situated to go after you now but my fodder must be pulled next week. I have hired several hands - - five or six - - and I want to hire more to commence on monday. I cannot go and come back before then.

You know I want you at home and I am sensible that you would like to come pretty soon, but duty forbids that I should go now. Mr. Rogers started to purchase goods to-day. I expect we will have to make a trip to Shell mound before I can go after you. It seems long to me. I can scarcely bear the idea. 

But there is another consideration that I think should weigh something. Your father is very anxious for you and the children to remain awhile. It is a time that he will be more disposed to be melancholy than any other. I am willing therefore for his sake that you may remain two or three weeks that you may as much as you can divert him. He will soon become engaged in his school which will be well for him. I want you to write to me what you think about this. I know you desire to be at home and you are desired just as bad. I know you have long since become sensible of my ardent attachment to you, but I doubt your knowing its depths. I scarcely know it myself. Write to you husband

W.J. Hill


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Transcription used with permission of Charles Massey.

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Transcription by Charles Massey.
Image by G. Anne Sloan