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as it has this winter and Spring. Soon (if we live to be old) we shall be laid in the grave. We are born to trouble and death; but if we live aright we shall soon know no more trouble. This world's a wilderness of wo, This world is not our home. I have often thought that it seems as if we had a great deal of affliction and then a great many blessings. We have good friends and priveleges which many in out circumstances have not. But ah! the thought of what our family might have been and what they are now fill me with grief. The tears will force their way while I think of it but had it not been for a good Mother who has worked hard and kept us together what would have become of us? I wonder how she stands it as well as she does. I should think that she would be worn out before this time. O that God would spare her to us for what could we do without her. O how I wish I could go home this morning and embrace you and the rest of our family there. I hope father will yet be a better man but it seems almost impossible "yet while there is life there is hope,, I think I know something what trouble is for I have always lived at home untill Mother left and I staid 3 weeks after she went away and took care of Myron and the rest of things but have not lived at home much since excepting when I went to school this winter and it is not likely that I shall worked at the Baldwin's four or 5 weeks before I came here but enough of that. Just a week from to day I shall complete my 17th year. Does it seem possible? "Time flies O how swiftly,, My paper is fast disappearing and I must draw my writing to a close. I guess you are thinking that I do not mean to write but I have written as soon as I got yours. Give my love to E__ and family and take much of it to yourself. Tell him to write to me and write yourself often for I am here alone and shall want to hear from you all often. Good morning beloved brother S.J. Kendall