Alton Illinois

Oct 29^th 1865

           

Dear Sister

                                    Your favor of Sep 2^nd came promptly to hand, but for divers & sundries reasons has lain 'til the present, unnoticed, but not forgotton, of the latter fact I presume you have been apprised through my correspondence with John. As excuses are but poor things at best, I propose to waive that ceremony and proceed at once to answer, notwithstanding the lateness of the day.

 

            I am glad to see (by the tone of your letter) that you endevor to bear with fortitude your recent berievement, and look facts stearnly in the face which is certainly half the battle. I sincearly hope that you may be successful in your newly inaugerated enterprise so that your most sanguine expectations may be more than realized 

 

I am truly happy to congratulate you on the receipt of the handsom & timely donation by the Express Co. Ever since I first herd of your sad misfortune my mind has been filled with anxious solicatude for your wellfare, dureing the comeing winter, but I now rest comparatively easy. It was as much with a view of placeing myself in a position to render you some assistance and possibly secure to you the benefit of your share of the property as aneything els, that induced me to write to John and request him to lay the matter before Mother, the details and result of which I presume he has advised you of. In consequence of my signal failure I have resolved not to moot the subject again, as I have no desire as Mother is growing old to stir up within her hard feelings or give her aney cause for reflection.

 

            Through my correspondence with John I presume you are fully advised as to my present circumstances, but at aney future time should it be in my power to render you aney / assistance you may need, I will do so chearfully. I would like to know what if aneything has been don in reference to Bro Sams back pay bounty pension &c. you wrote me something in refference to it about two years ago, but since that I've not herd it mentioned. if you could secure that it would be a small matter I presume, but still, it would be of some assistance to you. I just received last week the paper John mailed me so long ago containing the account of the accident. I also receved at the same time a paper from Cleaveland sent by Uncle John I presume containing an obituary notice of the death by drowning of one of Uncle Johns boys, it must certainly have been a severe shock on the family & on Uncle in particular. The age of the boy is not given, but I presume he must have been somewhears about 17 or 18. I do not recollect that I ever saw him or if I did, it has been so long ago that I do not recollect aneything about him. 

 

I enclose with this the letters John sent narating the particulars of the fatle accident at Wheeling, which I hope you will receive all safe. We are enjoying the best of health as I sincearly hope this may find you all. Remember us to all, and think of me as ever

                                                                       

Your Affectionate Brother

Ben H Croft

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