Haverhill May 22, 1859

 

To our Dear Brother & Sister & all the loved ones that cluster around that happy home.

 

            How do you all do we hope by devine blessing these lines may reach and find you all well; we received your letter so kindly sent to us with a great deal of pleasure it almost seemed to me as though you was never going to write to us again. sometimes at the thought of it tears would unbidden start. I know I have two dear Brothers and they an only Sister. but sometimes its a long while before I get answers from my letters; I know its not for want of affection in either of you. Brother William dont love to write and we know that you have many cares but you / must write oftner in future. I should have answered your letter before this but I have been almost sick with a very bad cold some days I could hardly speak a loud word and it affected my head very much, but its better now and I am feeling quite like myself again we are all now as well as usual. we are haveing a very stormy day and we have had for nearly two weeks thus you see I could not attend Church and I felt just like writing to you. My Dear Brother & Sister it seems as though I never knew the time when I wanted to see you so much as I do at the present time; five years ago to day at this time we were following our dear Mother to the grave and its three years tomorrow since our dear Sister Susan breathed her last and it seems to me but as yesterday I think I can say that I have been a constant mourner for her ever since their is not a day but what I think of her and all the / dear loved ones who have gone before us we hope to that brighter world where this world is not our home. May the Lord prepare us who remain for that last and sollem change that we may all be reunited again one unbroken family in Heaven. you must come and make us a visit this summer it will do you good you will be just as well off a few years from now as if you had stayed at home time is short and we must improve the present. we were very sorry indeed to hear that you was so lame also that Sister Mary had been sick we hope by the blessing of God you are both much better by this time. they were all well at Groveland yesterday we heard from them. you wish me to write you about Sister Susan's children Lucy and her husband are liveing with his Father at Pine Island on the road as you go to Old Town Bridge about three miles from the old homestead. Stephen James Henry & Lydia are with their Uncle John Adams in Old Town. Lucy and / her husband was up in the winter and spent a week with us Lydia spent the most of last month with us she is a beautiful child they are now fourteen years old how time does slip away. we heard from them last week they were all well. Aunt Mary and Cousin Sarah from Winthrop spent the Sabbath with us two weeks ago to day on their way to Boston to buy goods. we should be very happy to comply with your request to visit you this summer but hardely think we shall be able to James says you must come up and see us without fail now do come wont you. give our love to Charles tell him to write to us. Hannah Jane sends love to all yours. I have not left my room for James to write so he must wait untill next time he sends much love to you all and says tell Brother John to answer it soon

 

And now may the best of Heaven's Blessings rest upon you all is the prayer of your affectionate

                                                                                               

Sister Hannah P. York

 

kiss the children for us

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