Savannah, Ga.            

February 25, 1887.

           

Dear Sister Elizabeth:

            The news of our Mother's death and burial come to me to-day just after my return from Atlanta which is the capital of the State.

 

            There was, of course, nothing else to be looked for in view of her age. I think she was born in March; certainly on the 29^th day of whatever month it was, and just as certainly in 1804.

 

            Thus she lived more than the space which is mapped out, and her life was a very creditable one.

 

            I might pronounce an unusually long eulogy upon her but think it is very concisely summed up in "her verse", Prov. XXXI. 29

 

            That w^d be about as good an inscription (by the way I'd pay for it myself!) on her headstone as could be written.

 

            Well, I suppose you do not know that S.E.W.B. died in Nevada Feb 12.1884. His death was (fortunately for himself) peaceful, and he had all the helps of religion at his side. So that at once disposes of a difficulty in reference to the settling up of the "heritage". J.R.W.B. writes to the effect that he has no claim (or do I misinterpret?)

 

he says: "Now that all is over—will it not be best in a reasonable time that some arrangement be made so that each may have" the portion that belongs to him? "and I—who am not interested in a pecuniary way, wish to ask you what way would be most agreeable to [?] an amicable division can be made. And as the whole matter has been done without much regard to law or reason, perhaps that would be the better way. No one, I am confident, wishes to be technical or sharp" &c.

 

S.E.W.B. died possessing nothing and intestate. His debts, as usual, were paid by me. He frequently expressed in view of what I had done for him and his that you—his Sister Lizzie,—should be the recipient of what might legally be his share.

 

            Now besides aiding him (God alone knows how much!) I have to all intents and purposes supported and helped his wife & daughter for over twenty seven years! They are and have been in Germ. for nearly the whole of that time. That ought (I submit) to have already wiped out any claim. They never knew, they do not know even now of any such possible claim, nor do I know how much it might, could, would or should be worth. 

 

As to myself, I think you heard me say (and I now repeat it) that the land, if possible, should not be sold, but kept together. I am not going, however, to put any condition to my gift. I wish my portion to go simply to you. I heard Mother say that you had been a good sister to Jas R. W. and you deserve my praise. I want no expenses to be put on, but if my personal presence were quietly necessary for the good of the family and your peace of mind, I would assuredly go during the summer now coming.

 

            I am very desirous that you should be assured of my entirely sincere good will, and I shall be glad to think that the lessons of truthfulness and downright honesty inculcated by our Father and Mother may be the most precious heirlooms of their children. Direct to me. Bishop's Residence,

Perry & Drayton Sts.

Savannah Ga

 

faithfully y^rs

Thomas A. Baker

Bp La

 

Mrs Elizabeth Barnes                        

Pandoe P.O. Pa.                               

                                                                       

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