Transcription of letter from Mary Louise (Barre') Spragins to her family in Louisiana by way of her brother-in-law, John Close, about the death of her husband, Thomas L. Spragins.

November 4, 1843
Claiborne County, MS

Claiborne Miss Nov. 4th 1843

My Dear Brother and sisters,

Much time has elapsed since I have heard from you never the less my Anxiety for your welfare and happiness is not in the least diminished! I often think and speak of you and yet entertain the hope of seeing you once more. You know my situation. I have no one to [___] [___] [___]. If my husband had lived, we intended to visit you this fall. But the hand of providence has seen fit to take from me a kind & affectionate husband. I am left to Mourn his loss. I think some of you might visit me. I shall expect some of you to take Christmas Dinner with me. Tell sister Emily [BARRE] she is not afraid of a steamboat. I wish she would come & stay a year with me, then I will go home with her. If Madelene is not married, I think she might come & spend some time with me. After some of you come we will talk about my visiting you. I am anxious to know what has become of Mr. John Piere [CLOSE]. I have not heard from him since he left. He promised to write me. I would like to know what has become of all the children. Tell me who is married & who is dead. How they are all getting along in the world. What has become of your son Charles [CLOSE]? I should like to know particular all about every one. I wish to have a letter from Madalene. If she does not write English, she can get some friend to write for her. Where does Celeste live? I never hear from her. Write me how sister Daniel [Genevieve (BARRE) Zeringue] is getting along. Remember me particular to her.

What kind of crops have you made? What is the condition of your cane stay?

They crop very good though cotton has generally failed this season. I have great reason to be thankful to almighty God for his kindness to me though in the midst of much distress, sickness, death, I am engaging good health and a reasonable good fortune of the comforts this world. Write me what has become of Nelly & Julia. Where they live & how they are getting along.

My step daughter Madame McLeary and her little daughter are both dead. We have had a remarkable sickly season. I want to know the health of your country is.

I wrote you a long letter some time since & have been anxiously awaiting an answer. Do write immediately on receipt of this as I am very anxious to hear. Accept my [_____] desire for your welfare & happiness here & here after.

Your affect. Sister,

M. L. Spragins