Waterboro Dec 18^th 1860

 

My dear Brother & Sister:—

                                                It is with a sad heart and trembling hand that I take my pen to inform you that our dear brother Elijah is no more he died today a little past twelve o'clock This has come sudden and unexpected to us for he has been sick so short a time that it does not seem possiable that he is gone though we did every thing that lay in our power to rase him to health once more. Collins and I got home Saturday night and he was able to sit up part of the time and had his clothes on. Sunday he laid on the sofa here in the sitting room / all day and seemed quite smart, till near night he appeared very tired and was a little out. we put him to bed in the back room and that night sat up with him for the first time, he did not rest much. in the morning we got him up and made the bed; he never got up after that, but kept his hands and feet going and talking till he died. Joseph came last evening I think he knew him but did not take much notice of him, he never slept one might after yesterday noon till he slept the sleep of death. Oh how hard this is, it seemes as though we can not endure this. he was one of the best boys that I ever knew, always kind, amable and affectionate. I dont know but poor mother will be crazy she seemed to lean wholly on Elijah since father died, this has over come her more than any of the other / deaths that we have had in our family I dont see why it is that we are so afflicted I dont feel one might reconciled to this. I know that he is in Heaven with those dear ones that have gone before, but he was so good and usefull that it seemes cruel that he had to die. How I wish you could be here to take the last sad look of dear Elijah but fate is a hard master and we have to submit. he will be buried Thursday afternoon he had his ambrotype taken a few weeks ago and I will send you one as soon as I can have some taken Nancy was here to day, they are all well

 

I can not write any more to night for my head aches very bad. I shall stay at home the remainder of the winter

                       

Write very soon

From your affectionate sister

Mellie.

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