8

New Haven
Jan. 15th 1852

My dearly beloved Sister

May God make
us thankful for His divine
mercy, and teach us to be
devoutly grateful for His protection
in preserving you, your dear
husband and little children
from the awful fate which
lately you so narrowly escaped!

Since Monday last I have
been in a state of the most
agonizing suspense & fear, dreading
lest you or some of your loved
family had been victims in
the terrible catastrophy which
occurred on Friday to the
Magnolia. On Monday when
I went to tea I saw in a
New Haven paper of that evening
a telegraphic dispatch from

[left and top margin]
I then for the first time told dear Mallery
of the Magnolias explosion— he was deeply
moved—but thankful—I then telegraphed
to dear Eirly in Philadelphia—
I am yet looking
anxiously
for more
information—
in a day or two
I trust all
will be
clear and
again I will
smile.

God bless
us all dear
Sister & protect
us! abundant
love & Kisses
to dearest
Mother
& love to
your husband
& the children.

Your most
affectionate brother
H.S.P. King