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Staunton March 13th 1861 Dear Son I have just received a letter from Brother William stating that Father is quite sick or rather low the Dr he says he finds no disease only old age the machine he says is worn out he would like me that Brother thinks it would be source of satisfaction to me and perhaps Father too to come and be with him in his last moments and so it would to me at least it would be a great comfort but you know I cant I have not the means I was sorry you was not here when the letter arrived and in possesion of the means of takeing you there as I thought you or I either to go would cheer his last moments I would had we the means come to Verdon and if thought proper to go with me we would both go but as it is we must abide the decree of fate and content ourselves by writing I have just written an answer to Wm his letter was written last friday we received your papers