Letters of Rev. John W. Alvord

her children—& to the eldest of us she of course looked most earnestly for comfort & relief) & I feel little able to commence again the arduous duties before me—but will endeavour to do what ^I can.^—I know the indulgence of my dear people & value their sympathies—Unless something occurs which I do not now foresee, I shall be with you at the lecture Friday evening, & of course on the following sabbath. If however I am stopped you must consider it in the Providence of God—I shall come, or write, on Thursday if able to do either, My kind regards to your family & may the best of Heavens blessings rest upon you all

Your affectionate friend & brother in the Gospel J. W. Alvord

P.S. The post mortem examination of our Mothers remains showed the disease to have been enlargement of some portions of the heart, with dropsy of the chest

P. S 2^d Since writing a bad break in the railroad below is reported—the effect of the dreadful storm last night, & I may be so hindered as not to be able to reach you as above—The break is in the Naugatuck Road—

Y J. W. A.