Newfield [New York]
April 30, 1882
Very Dear Cousin [Augusta],
I have been trying to write you for several days but what
can I say? Words are so empty at such a time. We deeply sympathize with you in
this great trial and yet I suppose we know nothing about it having never passed
through the same affliction. Yes you have long years ago learned where to go in
times of trial. Oh what a comfort. I was greatly shocked to get the sad news,
but such is life. One after another, we are going to our long house. I have
thought of you so much, for I can imagine how very lonely I should be.
I have been quite worried about my husband the past winter
but he seems much better now, but has a cold. I have been feeling very bad for
some time having taken a severe cold. My throat and head are still in a bad
state – cannot tell the time when I have felt so miserable.
Lucy and Alice have just drove up to see how I was. They
all keep well (have sold their farm). Our children are both very well and going
to school. Hope I may hear from you soon all the particulars of your husband’s
death. Please excuse this short letter. Will write again when I feel like
myself.
Your
Affectionate Cousin,
Nancy
P. [Stratton] Van Kirk
Newfield [New York]
May 25, 1882
Very Dear Cousin Augusta,
I have been thinking sometime of writing you but the days
do go by so rapidly this time of year – especially when cares are so numerous.
But in the meantime, I have not forgotten you in your affliction. I know there
is a vacancy in your home that can never be filled. I can look back many years
ago when we were all at the dear old home. If Pa was away for only a day or two,
we felt as if half of the family was gone. And I used to ask the girls to go
with me to stay all night, as we were alone. I presume you can remember it? And
now if my dear husband is gone if only for a few days, it hardly seems like
home. I often think what should I do if he were taken from me. I am one of the
dependent ones.
A great many have gone to their long homes about here,
mostly aged people. Last night a young woman died of measles & congestion a
short distance from here. She was sick only a very few days, leaving a young
husband and little daughter. Seems very sad. We are wonderfully blessed with
health. I feel quite well again. We have a large family. Are repairing a barn.
Children both go to school. Are both taking music lessons. Eddie is practicing
now. We have had a very late cold spring. We still keep a coal fire in the
sitting room. I am such a cold body.
Does [your sister] Sarah move back in her house this
spring? Think perhaps we shall go over [to Owego] for a short visit next month.
Won’t you be coming East before long? I hope so. The
change will do you good. I hope to hear from you soon. You mustn’t brood over
your sorrow. You have a great deal to live for. We have a great many widows
here, it is often remarked, and so many so young. We have one with us every
summer for a few weeks. He husband died when she was but 23 years. He daughter
is most 20 now. I presume I have spoken of them to you. [My sister] Lucy &
[her] family are quite well. Have not heard from [my brother] David’s people
lately. We all send a great deal of love and sympathy.
From
your affectionate cousin,
Nancy
P. [Stratton] Van Kirk
