Port Gibson
February 16th
Mr. Close will please receive my thanks for the letter he was so good as to write for my mother to me, and add to the favour by reading the following to her also answering it.
My Dear Mother,
It is now my painful task to inform you of the Death of Cousin Sally. She never was well after you left here and has been confined to her bed for the last six weeks till last Saturday night when she expired. I am told that Aunt and Uncle are very much distressed. She talked a great deal to Uncle before her Death, begging him to be kind to her mother. I do not think that Aunt will long out live her.
You need not be uneasy about Lolina(?)/Solena(?) as she is now boarding with Dr. Magruder and going to both the reading and dancing school. I get all the clothing necessary from her and Jenny does her washing.
Harriet's health is not so good owing to the fatigue in nursing Cousin Sally. I know nothing from the camp, only negro news and as it is not such as would give you pleasure, I shall not write what will give you pain.
Mr. & Mrs. Hanming/Hemmings (?) have both been very sick which has prevented me from going to Natchez. They speak of going to Kentucky this spring. If they do, I shall probably accompany them.
I wish very much to see you, but I am not as selfish as to wish you to return as I know you must be happier there. Remember me in the most affectionate manner to your father and mother, also your sister, for I feel like they were all near relatives of mine.
Your Negroes are all well. E**setts baby grows finely.
Let me hear from you soon and believe me your most affectionate Daughter,
M L Breazeale
