Mother oh. mother! Can it be. yes it is too true. our Arthur is dead. I want to come to you but I feel that it would not be prudent on my dear baby’s account. Yesterday and today I have been troubled with great looseness in my bowels. This afternoon I am feeling a little better Aunt Strong will tell you about it. I have not been as well as I wish I could be for some time although I’ve called myself well. Julins health is miserable and he could not/ leave just now, at any rate, as his work would not permit him to

 

As I write I am nearly wild that he is dead. my youngest and only brother, and that I can not be with you. I could only weep with you and in no other way be an assistance to you. I wish it were otherwise, that my baby was not as much depending upon the state of health and feelings for her good. Darling Mother and darling sister, let us put our trust in/ God. How hard to try to say, “It is well”!

 

Mar Ma is holding my baby and i am in no condition to write of course. How I would like to have been with both my dear brothers.

 

            Adieu—and kisses to father and you all. Poor father he seen him breath his last. How we all must mourn & mourn. mourn always—

 

            Try to keep well, do dearest Mother. live for those that are left you We must live for those of/ us that are left more. Ma sympathizes with you, deeply, so do they all here—

 

            Again Good by and God bless

 

you and sustain you. I am coming home before a great while. I rec’d a letter from Carrie saying she would be here soon. Dear girl she said she wished she could have gone to dear Arthur.

 

            Keep as calm as you can, do all of you—Oh tis terrible

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