A31, B1, F1_Item 12_Page 001

Of course we do not know exactly how we stand - probably little or nothing more than the house will remain when all is settled but the Lord will provide - Ben Charleston Oct 16th - 1856 left us last Friday to finish the term in College, then expects to return & find employment here so as to remain with

My dear dear Sister,

This Isee by the above date, is the anniversary of our beloved Mother's removal to a better world & now I am called to write about the departure to that same bright happy glorious home, of him who was nearer & dearer still the beloved partner of my joys & sorrows - with whom for thirty years I have loved as I never loved another & with whom for twenty seven years In so much peace & harmony & love I have journeyed through this vale of tears. I fear you have been very anxious to hear again, since the first sad tidings reached you, have been anxious to hear how your poor widowed stricken sister has been supported, under such a crushing blow; & you ought to have heard, but the poor children have had as much as they could do, to write to each member of the family, to prepare their mourning for the last Sabbath, receive the sympathizing calls of friends, besides their other [word torn away] Ben being compelled to return to his duties [word torn away] -ter a fortnight absence, the boys, [words torn away] Father's will were left exeuctors [words torn away] obliged to qualify last [with?] & l[words torn away] so as to put them in a train [words torn away]

[written crosswise on page:] us. Bagele Edward expects to remain until his return. [?] sten has returned but is at the island & I have not seen him. The fever now seems to be decreasing I hope you will be able to come now I long to see you. I thought your feasting that morning was very tender & had misgivings myself about your meeting again on earth. Much love to All & [?] for his Aunt Saint Uncle Bagile loved him very much. I hope he will [early?] lose the [Savior?] & meet him in heaven. Write soon to

Your deeply affected sister

Sarah