Dear Brother,
About two weeks ago your friendly address of the 17th of August
came to hand, and my dear brother, I receive its contents as a
cementing cord of attachment. Whilst in this unfriendly world which
frequently separates those who are under the strongest ties by
nature. Your letter afforded me great consolation to find you were
yet alive. Your long silence had raised some doubts with me on that
score. I have the lamentable news, to tell you of the death of our
sister Mary Hendricks in July last, leaving seven poor motherless
children, the youngest of which only 8 months old. She died of a
short illness. Her dying request was that I should take her infant
to raise & Educate. I have had two trips down the Ohio for her
children & have brought four of them away, the youngest of which
I mean thro [sic] Devine assistance to raise as well as my poor
Humble situation in life will enable me although I find difficulty
enough to support myself, the others are among my sisters Anna &
Peggy, who I suppose will do the best they can for them.
During the summer past, I have been in a very bad state of health
& so low at one time that my live was doubted, but thank God I
am on the recovery, and the only comfort that I have is that by
living a pious and virtuous life in this world I may enjoy happiness
hereafter.
I do not censure your conduct for the postponement of Matrimony.
It is certainly a matter of the most serious consequence to fix upon
a partner for life. For my part I am and still intend to continue in
a state of Celibacy unless I shall think I am bettering myself much.
We have a very bad crop year owing a great drought & a very
sickly season attended with many sudden deaths.
I will conclude by beseeching you to keep up your Brotherly
correspondence.
I remain, Dear Brother, your affectionate sister.
Eliza Wells
P.S. Mr. John Helm presents his compts [sic] to you. E. W.
The letter I last rec'd is the only one for 2 years. Direct your
letters to the Post Office Bardstown. Farewell Brother.
