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June 8. 1863
New Bedford, Mass.
Dear Uncle, Aunt, & Cousins,
So long a time has passed since we have had a line from you, I know it must be, that the many letters I have sent, have never been received. Uncle's last letter was dated one year ago last August when Eliza was so very sick. Since then, I have heard that you are at High Point, through Jennie Dibble. I can write but very little just to let you know that I am most anxious to hear from you.
The past two months, I have been confined to my bed with Infammation of the Spine, and am yet now unable to sit up at all. I am very weak but hope to sit up some this week. The other members of the family are all
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in usual health, except Aunt Clarke who has been very sick this spring, and she is now nearly well, all of our relatives are well. There are very many things, I want to write about, but will be unable, neither do I know as this will be received, I hear that Mr. Dibble is Post Master of N. Berne, so will send this to him, and he may find an opportunity to send it to you. Cousin Mary (Hawes) Wilmarth & Husband, are here now for a visit from Chicago, they also came last Spring. Aunt H. is living with them. Shubael is in Buffalo in business. George entered the Army last Aug. and was seized with Typhoid Fever and died at Fort Monroe in Dec. His remains were brought here. There are so many sad things to write after a long silence that I can hardly write. Year ago Last May Cousin Eliza Russell returned from a four years voyage, and just a year
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from the day she came was confined and died immediately, her child was not living. She leaves a beautiful child girl about a year old. Uncle Clarke has built a house in No. Bridgewater and Benj. is with him. Lizzie has twin babies just a year old, one named for Fannie Hawes, the other for me. She also has one, Jennie, two year. They are a beautiful family. You will be pleased to know that we are back in our Stone house again, and we shall be so glad to welcome any of you who can come to see us. Carrie is now teaching in Haverhill, Mass. in the High School. She has a fine situation and likes very much. John is clerk in a store, and has grown so that you would'nt know him. Ellen is still teaching. Mother & I are housekeepers. Last week, had interesting letters from Chas. They will be home in August with a fine voyage. This Morn. had a long letter from Willie, we do not know
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when to hope to have him with us, as he has not been successful. I miss Dear Cousin Eliza's letters very much, they came so regularly, but I trust before long, we may have regular communication. I am too weak to write more, but let me hear from you, just as soon as this is received.
Yours with much love Anna L. Kempton
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How I long to see you all.
Uncle James is here, and would send love, but has gone down st. on business
All send love Anna.