Franklin County: [E.?] to Edward McPherson, January
6, 1858
Summary:
The writer, probably E., mourns the loss of Edward McPherson's father, her uncle.
She refers to his excellent character and expresses concern for her aunt during
this time.
January 6. 1858
Frederick
Your letter of yesterday Dear Edward brought me the
sad news I expected to hear, & now all I can do is to mourn with you all
over the departure of one so justly esteemed & beloved--"not lost, only
gone before" What an inexpressible source of consolation it must be to you now,
to reflect that your untiring, cheerful & affectionate attentions to
your Father were such a comfort to him in his declining years, when sickness
& suffering deprived him of every other enjoyment. Neither you nor I,
perhaps, can at all realize, how highly he did appreciate your affection-- none
but a parent can understand it. But it is enough
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for you to know it, & it was manifested to you, to the
last. You know, he was not very demonstrative in his feelings, but I always
thought there was a depth of affection there, that few saw & understood.
I am very anxious to hear how your Mother has borne this great trial, but hope,
she is as usual, as you said nothing to the contrary. I would have written to
the girls, but do not think it necessary, as I can say nothing more to them,
than I do to you, & this will do for all. From bitter experience, I can
& do most truly sympathize with you in the loss of such a Father. Mine
was the light & joy of my life, & the older I grow, the more I
mourn his loss, & cannot even yet, dwell upon the subject with
composure. God has smitten, & he alone can heal - to Him, I commend you
all. Lizzie Law is not with you, I suppose, as you did not mention her. I have
been better for a week past, & free from fever - only waiting now for
settled weather to venture out a little.
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I heard from Georgetown
yesterday. All are well. I do not want to appear unreasonable but I will be
greatly obliged if one of you could write me very soon, if only a few lines. I
shall be so anxious about Aunt, until I do hear & indeed about yourself,
fearing the effects of so much fatigue & anxiety. Nannie is suffering
greatly from her ears -- I sent your letter to the Colonel's last evening & Mrs M P said she would keep it as some
of the family were in the country. Mr. Tyler is not very well -- he joins me in
love & sympathy for you all.
[unsigned, but probably written by "E."]
