p.

I understand that Jacob Bennett's real estate
is all advertised for sale in [Walten's?] paper for
the benefit of the creditors - it is feared there will
be but little left - poor Lorinda - I do pity her -

George Tinkham has got a nice store of
goods in Marshfield village & seems to be doing
very well - his grandmother Ellis was buried
last fifth day - the funeral of George Gray's
wife was attended at the same hour at the
centre - each being appointed without the
other's knowledge - Brown officiated for the
Ellis's & Lord for Grays - L. married them very
soon after he came to Montpelier - thee remem-
bers Charlotte Gray was a Morgan - related to Re-
lief - she has left six little children - I sup-
pose thee saw the curious story of Garner in the
daily - poor old man bowed beneath the [burden?]
of his secret, much longer than was needful - I
think -

Sis Mary is quite
smart - she was intending to write today - but
as I was going to do so, thought she would wait a
few days - next fifth day is thanksgiving
how many lonely gatherings there will be -
but as a rich supper is not what I look upon as
the greatest blessing as far as that is concerned I
shall not mourn so much - but oh how our little
stricken company is scattered - none knows when
"We all may meet again" - If not here, ah may
we do live as to meet in that "better land" -

Farewell my dear boy - Thee can hardly realise
how glad we are to hear from thee so often -

Thy mother

[page break]

East Montpelier 24th of 11th mo 1861 -

My precious boy

Thy last letter dated the 15th inst.
did us all a great deal of good, the news being
more favorable about thy health; & we got
a clearer insight into thy circumstances -
It is a great comfort to me to feel that thee
is contented with thy place - & I trust I am
thankful that thee is not under controls
that must have been somewhat galling -
hope thee will have nothing more to do
with those that have been a little inimi-
cal - than to "heap coals of fire on their
heads" by acts of kindness & mercy, if this is
in thy power - this I believe is thy intention
& I crave for thee, strength to carry it out -
Sorrowful & heart-sickening sights must often
greet thee - but if thee can alleviate suffering
of body it is a comfort - & if by words fitly spo-
ken thee may sometimes reach the sickness

[in left margin:]

Give my respects to Henry - tell him if I had not spent all my resources
in writing this meagre letter, I would address one to him - but he must accept a
part of this; I shall look for a [underline]truthful[/underline] letter from him - I do not think [underline]thee[/underline]
would write an [underline]un[/underline]
truth but what I feared
is that thee would [underline]not[/underline]
write the [underline[whole[/underline] truth

Walter Wane died
the 16th inst