Lynn. Dec 11^th 62

 

My Dear and only Brother—

 

                        I was verry happy to hear of your safe arrival at N C. after so boistous a passage it is a scene of grandeur to see the oceion one white foam and see the waves roll in splash one after the other. I have been on the sea in a storm, but I was not frightend for god was there, he plants his footsteps on the sea and rides upon the storm. the boys sufferd a great deal more by being shut up from air poor fellows how weak they must have felt after being so sick—there was but few words in the house the day / you left home we all felt sad mary anna felt very lonely—when she rec^d your letter she was almost wild with joy—dear little Fredie writes many letters to papa I kiss him every day for you

 

                        dear brother I had 3 to feel anxious about before you went away now my number is multiplied; George C. has gone to newfoundland; 1^st mate of Sch^r hemphodite; a cold and dangerous voyege I cannot hear from untill april if ever. Justus is now in fredrickburgh amid the din of battle. he is marching all the time and fares hard. had nothing to eat for several days but raw pork and hard bread and verry little of that perhaps now while I am writing he may be numberd with the slain; but I hope you may all be kept from harm and / safely returnd I know that you are safe now that you are encamp^d at newburn but we know now not how soon you may be calld away to battle the enemy but I cannot dwell on the painfull subject may god protect you dear brother and may you meet with again with your little family. Please give my respects to Richard N. also george Bent Nellie sends her love also—W^m & Nellie send their best regards to you W^m will send a paper with this write me when you have a chance I know you have a great many letters to answer and will not complain if i have to wait some time my scroll is gitting to long good night dear, dear brother

 

I remain your loving sister

Eliza Ann Stearns /

 

P.S. you was fortuneate to have so many presents and such usefull ones too

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