cams_hparker_2311_f004_022_4

It seems hard to think that Andrew Lewis should
be taken so ill, while on a visit to see his friends
and relations, when he anticipated instead of
a severe spell of sickness nothing but pleasure,
but such is often our lot, and although we try
to think every such thing is for the best, it is
often hard to look upon it in that light ---

I hope he will recover notwithstanding that
you write that his friends think he cannot
recover, still "as long as there is life, there is
hope," and we can call to mind many of our
friends, who seemed to be almost in the arms of
death, who recovered and were again blessed
with good health. Clarence Jewett you remember
two seasons in succession, was sick with the
Typhoid Fever, and his parents and friends,
thought he could not recover. Still after being
brought so low, he was allowed by the blessing
of Heaven to regain his health again.

I sincerely hope the same blessing may be
bestowed upon Andrew L. [Lewis] and that he may be
permitted to view his native home once more.

It is hard to die away from home, even if
surrounded by parents and friends, or to be
sick away from home, therefore I hope I may
continue to be blessed with good health so
long as I am absent. Wishing you all health
and happiness
I remain
Your affct [affectionate] Son
H. A. Parker [Henry A. Parker]

[written vertically in the left margin]

My health is good, and business is very good also --- Mr Noyes [Ephraim Noyes]
and Mr Shipley are well and send their best respects to you.

Please remember me to all my friends.
H. A. P. [Henry A. Parker]