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Cottage Grove Oct - Nov 4 1851
Dear Samuel & Lucy
Your kind letter was received week ago last Saturday, also Mother's miniature - we all think it a perfect likeness - you were very good and kind to send it. I am so glad she had me taken - Father started last Friday to go after his goods, I don't know when to look for him because it is uncertain where he will find them he may have to go nearly to Chicago, and he may meet them on the river - we did not dare to wait any longer for fear the Lake would freeze and we should not get them this Fall - they have been a constant source o anxiety to us ever since we have been here - I have looked for them so many times that I almost think sometimes they never will come; but I must learn to wait and be patient - we have felt the need of them very much - Theodore and John have gone up to the Fort today to have an experienced surgeon look at John's arm - I am very fearful he will have a stiff arm - Alfred is to work at Theodore's today and I am left to myself - I have washed, and eaten my solitary dinner and now have nothing better to do than to write to you - how lonesome it looks here - there is no kind smile to greet me when I look up and ask me what I am writing to Samuel but silence and sorrow are my companions - everything looks gloomy - the sky is cloudy, and the wind blows cold and chill rustling the dry leaves about our dwelling - Images of the past come thronging bout me - I see the "Old house at home" and with it all the pleasant associations of childhood and youth - I see the happy household band - I hear the kind voice of my Mother Oh! can it be that voice is hushed forever? But I must drive these thoughts from me - We trust that our Mother is now happy in Heaven, let us strive to walk in the "straight and narrow path" looking with an eye of faith to Him who is willing and able to save all who come unto him - then we may hope to meet her there. Oh, what a blissful moment when the friends long severed on earth, shall meet in heaven - I feel that this hope is mine - I trust that through the merits of Him who died to save us, my sins have been forgiven what a blessed hope that when our earthly pilgrimage is over we shall be received into the presence of God our Savior - Sometimes the thought comes