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away so early. The 4^th child was a son born 19^th June 1843
named Benjamin Franklin after his father; he grew up
handsome & promising, at the same time we took Will
& Frank ^Anna to the North we took him to the Naval Acad-
emy Anapolis; he was about 14 ^{or 15}, remained there 2
years; when he took cold, which settled on his lungs
& he returned home sick, lingered a few weeks, & died
3^d July 1860 aged 17. just 18 months after his sister
& there was just 18 months difference in their ages; & they
were very fond of each other.

The 5^th child was a daughter born 24^th June 1847. named
Elizabeth Frances after me, but called Fanny. she is now
20 years old, is tall & handsome, very smart, a mem-
ber of the Episcopal Church, has fine principles, & very
much loved & admired; has not cared to marry, has had
offers, but none to tempt her to leave her home. however
at present she is thinking of accepting a young man who
has been attached to her for years; but says it shall be a long
engagement, so I am afraid; the marrige will never take
place; I do not approve of long engagements. I was engaged
about 6 months; & I ought to have complied with my husbands
wish & married him sooner; in Nov, when he paid me a visit.
If I could live over again, I would please him in every
thing from the most important to the most trifling
event; my study should be to make him perfectly hap-
py & act so piously as to make him appreciate the
Christian character, but I have brought reproach on
it by my inconsistentcy. I will endeavor from this time
under God's blessing to be more Christian like in my