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Hillsdale, Mich, April 19, 1877 Dear Brother & Sister,

  Are you not going to write to our friend here? Brother B seems to prize so highly all letters from Elizabeth's friends now. He feels his loss very deeply and nothing comforts him more just now than words of sympathy from those she loved and communion with her spirit and her God. He had a very good letter from Mary and from Mother which did him good. We have had nothing from John yet nor indeed any of our other relatives. Both Mr. and Mrs. Thompson have written & Mr. Oliver Butler - also mother Butler - very kind letters. I will try to take extracts that you may see something what a place dear E. had in their hearts. I know it is hard for you to find time and strength to write - indeed I fear I 

in margins take her to New York - but she was so feeble - the weather cold, and the journey far he feared to undertake it. He does not think it would have saved her life but "it would have been such a comfort." She always thought much of her home and relatives. She had a very pleasant home here and they were all very kind and careful of her - but you know all that. It is very pleasant to look out now after the rain - the grass is greener and the flowers springing up - Tuesday one of Hattie's friends brought her a wild flower bouquet from the woods - A short touching letter from father to br B has just come - poor brother it is hard for him all alone - I must try to write to him - I have only written that first day after getting here.