Correspondence (incoming): Ri, 1893-1896

illustrious husband, (who no one could help admiring, though not be acquainted with him) my feeling of love & sympathy have gone out to you.

I myself was left a widow twelve years ago. I know well the great loss you have sustained, no strong arm to lean on, none to help bear your great burden of sorrow, and in my weak way, I just felt as if a word of condolence from a widowed heart less fortunate than yourself would not be scorned.

I have struggled in these long years to raise and education five (5) children, and but for professed friends defrauding me out of just money loaned by my dear husband

Box 55 Culpeper Va 1-27-96

My dear Mrs Stanford

I see from the Post that this case in which you an interested so deeply, will come up this week for trial. I take the liberty to write you, to express my sympathy and trust that the decision may be in your favor. Ever since the death of your

[back page ] in trust for us, would have been in opulence, but such has always been the way in which widows & orphans are imposed on. My children are almost all grown, and all a great comfort to me, next to the youngest teaching at Mrs Cabells and taking higher Mathematics, French and Music in compensation for her services, the youngest

God to be with, sustain and comfort you in your great affliction. May he temper the mind to the shorn lamb

Your friend in affliction.

Mrs. M.F.W. [Rixey?]

at a good boarding school, and next year I hope to have her go to a school of Art, as she wishes to perfect herself in that branch.

Dear Mrs Stanford excuse the liberty I have taken, and remember that we in old Virginia think of and pray for you in your great trouble. And that one sister in widowhood, is asking