Home [Manhattan, Kansas]
April 8, 1882
My Dear Mrs. Griffing,
Do not think I do not think of & feel for you because I
have not been to see you. It is next to impossible for me to do so & then I
know so many will go. Just now I feel that there has not been the need of my
going there, otherwise would be. We think of you & pray for you & I feel
much sympathy for you in your trouble.
Mr. [Thomas C.] Wells felt so sorry he was not able to go
to the funeral. He had not been out at all when we got word when it would be. We
were up later than usual that morning. I did all I could to help him & he
hurried with all his might & hoped he could get ready until the last moment.
He thought he must milk, feed & water his cattle but I guess he would let
some of it go had he not thought he could have got ready. He said, It looks
as if I cared more for work than I did for my friend & neighbors when in
trouble. Had we have known it the night before, we would have got up &
hurried through. He said today he would like to give [your son] Will [some] work
if it would help you but he had engaged Walter if he did well. Walter has been
here this week & does very well so far but guess he is not as strong as
Will.
I would like to see you when you get rested from so much
excitement & will try to get there after awhile if I can. I am not able to
walk & Thursdays after I get Mr. Wells off & my work done, I am tired
enough to go to bed. If I do not go everyday, I have to suffer for it. I cannot
realize what you have been through. You have our heartfelt sympathy &
prayers. May the Lord sustain & bless you. Words seem useless. Those white
fragrant violets have bloomed full this year. I counted nearly fifty at one
time. Everything grows with a rush. I have some beautiful hyacinths in bloom
& tulips opening. May you find much comfort in your children & be
enabled to cast all your care in Him who careth for you Numbers, 6th
Chapter, 24 & 25 & 26th verses.
Affectionately
yours,
Eleanor
[Bemis] Wells
