April 19, 1882
Dear Aunt [Augusta] & children,
To you all that are left, we send our heartfelt sympathy in
this your hour of trouble and affliction. When I received that paper, I sat down
and wrote to you before reading any of it, having no thought that there was a
sad surprise awaiting us. How glad I am that I stopped even when I came out
here. I never would have seen Uncle James in life. He looked so well then –
not very gray for one so far advanced in years. The paper did not state his age.
Tell me in your next please. But you all have done your duty toward him and you
have no regrets. None but “God understands” your grief.
To [your children] Mary and Willie, I say this. They do not
realize their loss now as they will in the future before them. When they each
take up Life’s burden and you all are separate, then they will look back to
their childhood home so free from care. I do not say this because Uncle James
was a relation of mine. If he were none other than a friend, I could only do him
justice by saying that very few children have as kind & indulgent father as
your last. By relenting death, he has gone before to welcome you all at last.
Glad John has such good luck. Hope his wife is doing well.
I received a letter from Velma. She spoke about Uncle James’ death and wanted
to know if I had heard it. Write me particulars concerning his sudden illness
& insanity. I forgot to mention our address in my last.
House No. 622 East 7 Street
Affectionately yours,
E. C. Morrison
P.S. Excuse
mistakes as my eyesight is very poor. I cannot tell the lines.
