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Written in darker ink at top: Mother M. Bangor May 8, 1853 DuQuoin Ills. May 27, 1853

Bangor May 8th/53 My Dear Children I suppose I Sam'l write to you a few days ago informing you of the fact that on his birthday - being the 2nd of May he had a valuable present - no less than a fine healthy beautiful Son weighing nine pounds - the babe is still doing well - And Lucy is getting along finely so much better than we had any reason to expect that you may well suppose we are all very joyful and I hope thankful - We have a Mrs. Griffith from Brownville here in the capacity of nurse (she is Mr John Thomas's Daughter) who with Anna and myself make quite a valuable trio for taking care of Lucy and baby - indeed Anna is a [?] in herself you don't know how good and doing good and unselfish she is - Well now really are not my sons & my sons wife, all my Daughters and my Daughter's husband, about the best folks in the wide

Written up the left side and across the top: Lucy sits up just long enough to have her bed made appetite is pretty good - if she can only get rid of that weakness in her back I think she may be a stout? healthy woman - but that troubles her considerably now written upside down: Keep us informed of your welfare - let us know of all your joys & sorrows if you have any