Brookline April 28^th 1828

 

My dear Mrs Wild

 

                                    You will be glad I know to hear of the welfare of your little family whether you are rejoicing or sorrowing & as I believe yr. husband has not yet returned you may be anxious for some news from your children before you can hear from him even should he get time to day. we grieved over the sad event which called you so suddenly from among us & we wish much to learn that the life of your brother has been spared to you & his family. On friday the children were at school & quite well & happy. They made me a visit or rather came to see little Cate Torrey who is with me & they seemed happy to enjoy themselves. Charles in his new clothes looked quite the hero. On Saturday it rained so violently that I knew of nothing beyond my own domicile but to day again your little ones were in my neighborhood altho' I have myself been at home all day still I heard from Cate that "little Eddy came up with Richard for Charles & Susan & little Eddy had on his red hat Aunty"

 

I sent to Mrs Carr for one of Laura's gowns to measure by, & I hoped to go & see her but the weather & my complaining head too prevented me. You cannot or ought not feel anxious about home for we shall feel an interest in your household & should all be ready to aid if any thing should occur to require assistance. I hope your journey was not too much / for your small stock of strength, anxious & troubled as you must have felt. I fear you will suffer in consequence. Susan [?] has been obliged to betake herself to her chamber for lack of ability to keep about she is suffering with a heavy influenza cold which together with her but half well state previously has been quite too much for her.

 

Mary Sullivan has passed away since you left & for her anxiety is forever hushed. I have heard nothing of the family since the event but they must have been prepared for this change from Mary's increasing debility. I sometimes think however that we are never prepared for the death of our friends for while there is life there will be hope & what we earnestly hope for we generally believe we shall realize.

 

You will return to us before long & we all hope dear Mrs W. it may be as one rejoicing rather than mourning yet should the worst come & you should thus suddenly be called to sorrow for the death of one who is dear to you we still hope that you will find those supports in yr grief which are promised to those who patiently suffer the ills of life. All selfish sorrow will be buried in the greater bereavement you will feel your mother & your brother's immediate family must endure. should your stay be protracted you will hear from Anna H. or myself. Meantime be assured your children are well & as comfortably cared for as possible in your absence. The Hicks wd send their love did they know how my pen is at this moment occupied.        

 

Affectionately Yrs

L.E.E. Greene.

 

[overleaf]

To

Mrs Mary J. Wild

Care of

                                    Providence R.I.

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