Letter from H.F.P., dated 1864-04-20

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to be put on short allowance - Our friends in Baltimore have been in a good deal of trouble this winter. Charles Grinnell has been obliged to give up his business in B. and has gone into business in Boston. has been there him self for some time and expects to remove his family in the sixth month. They will regret exceedingly to leave their large and agreable circle of friends, meeting, an excellent physician Dr. Thomas who is almost a daily visitor &c. Sister R. has been much better this winter, she thinks her visit to New England was of great benefit to her - but Anna is still an invalid. Brother Samson's family are in pretty good health, he has had a very severe cold for two weeks past and it has increased his cough, which is always troublesome and Mary Anna is afflicted with rheumatism - our family are in usual health - I expect I am some like Thyself, far from well but keep at work most of the time. I believe Moses Beede has been pretty comfortable this winter but has not been out much for some little time past. E Meader called here a few days since she is pretty well - Joseph and the girls join me in much love to Thee and all Thy family - I remain affectionately Thy cousin H.F. P.

[in left margin:] 22d The funeral took place yesterday - the house was about full Gilbert spoke and Dr [Tobey?] said a few words at the close -

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Providence 4th mo 20/64

Dear Cousin Rachel

I was very glad to receive Thy letter this morning and embrace The earliest opportunity to answer it as I wish to inform Thee of our recent affliction - about a month since our brother Reuben left here in good health and spirits to go to Memphis to attend to some business - and immediately on his arrival There was taken sick with Erysipelas in his face and head, and after twelve days of severe suffering The spirit took its flight and left The clay tenement to rest. He was entirely among strangers in That distant city , with The exception of one gentle whom he had known here - he however took letters to some persons There, and They were extremely kind and attentive, and have assured us that he lacked nothing that could have conduced to his comfort or the relief of the disease if it had been in human power to have relieved it - These assurances and

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I think I could get along with Richmond stationary better than the prison fare

The account they have given us of his sickness and death are as satisfactory as The circumstances will admit - but it is very sad and trying, and we all, but especially Joseph feels his loss very keenly - the two brothers were all of The family and They had been separated but very little during Their lives and most of The time have been in business together. Reuben's daughter Annie as married in first month to Gordon Moore of Troy and is comfortably settled in That city; she and her husband are now here awaiting the arrival of the remains which were immediatley forwarded by express - Charles lives in Illinois - We were rejoiced to hear That They son was released from That horrible prison, but very sorry to hear That he had sufferd so much. I think he ought to be at home now and have good nursing and rest - Thou enquired about D- Jobeys sons - Sam is still in The Army - Tom [staid?] until he was so sick he could not do any thing and Then came home and resigned - he is better

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but not strong. The rest of The Drs family are in usual health excepting Lydia [Breed?] who has been quite unwell for several weeks. We heard nothing from our William for several months until about a month ago we received a very nice letter saying that They were all well and apparantly getting along comfortably. says They are having a pleasant spring although they have had a snow stom which was a great novelty There - we are having a very cold unpleasant spring. The prevalence of easterly wind is unprecedented - to day it is blowing raining, hailing and snowing by turns - we however had a mild pleasant winter. I am glad to hear That you have made a good [underline]lot[/underline] of butter This spring and have got a [priser?] for it - I enjoy it when The farmers get The benefit of high prices - but I have not much patience with speculators - yes we are very fortunate in having one firkin of butter still unopened and by The time That is gone I trust That The price will be somewhat lower for if it is not I am afraid That we should have