NORTH Elba, Feb. 20, 1858.
My Dear Father,
— Your
letter of January 30 we received this week, it having lain in the postoffice
a week. Oliver went to the office and got our news; there were two letters for
me, but the postmaster did not give him yours. We did not get it this week in
time to answer it, or we should have done so immediately. I am sorry for such a
delay. We were rejoiced to hear that you were so near us, and we hope that you
can visit us yet before leaving York State. It really seems hard that we cannot
see you, when you have been so long from home; yet we are glad that you still
feel encouraged. Dear father, you have asked me rather of a hard question. I
want to answer you wisely, but hardly know how. I cannot bear the thought of
Henry leaving me again; yet I know I am selfish. When I think of my poor
despised sisters, that are deprived of both husband and children, I feel deeply
for them; and were it not for my little children, I would go almost anywhere
with Henry, if by going I could do them any good. What is the place you wish
him to fill? How long would you want him? Would my going be of any service to
him or you? I should be very glad to be with him, if it would not be more
expense than what good we could do. I say we; could I not do something
for the cause? Henry's feelings are the same that they have been. He says: “Tell
father that I think he places too high an estimate on my qualifications as a
scholar; and tell him I should like much to see him.” I wish we could see you,
and then we should know better what to do; but will you not write to us and
give us a full explanation of what you want him to do? . . . Please write
often.
Your affectionate daughter,
Ruth Thompson.
SOURCE: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of
John Brown, p. 441-2
No comments:
Post a Comment