Dated December 31, 1841

In this letter, Lucy M. Fowle (1793-1893) is writing in response to news about Jerusha’s ill health.

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TRANSCRIPTION:

Addressed

Miss Jerusha Howe

Sudbury, Mass

Boston Dec. 31st 1841

My Dear Miss Howe,

I felt anxious when my husband told me that the man who called for the Chair said you had not been well and hearing yesterday you was no better, I taken my pen to beg for a few lines to let me know if any thing new has taken place, and to know how you do, if you are unable to write perhaps one of your Brothers will write me a few lines, which I should take as a great favor. I feel more anxious knowing how difficult it is for you to git [sic] suitable help. I hope you have some one to take good care of you, if you have I hope you will keep your mind easy. As to all other domestic concerns, I can with sincerity say that I have deeply sympathized with you in your past severe affliction seemingly almost to severe for your feeble frame but not so, for the Lord knows what is best for us and he afflicts in many and we ought to praise him for his rod as well as his staff that supports us, he has promised his Grace shall be sufficient for them that trust in him and I hope my dear Jerusha that you and I boath [sic] truly trust in him and are willing to lie passive in his hands for him to do as he thinks best, when I think how much my Savour suffered for me and all that truly believe in him I feel gilty [sic] in view of my unwillingness to bear what is laid upon me, but I think it is my daily prayers to be prepared for whatever the Lord has prepared for me that I may with sincerity say not my will but thine O Lord be done I hope and trust there are your feelins [sic], and my dear if we follen [sic] on often after holiness we may hope to meet in Heaven if we are never permitted to meet again on Earth. my own health has been sometimes better and sometimes worse since you was here, I feel it to be very uncertain whether I am ever able to be about as I have been, but I desire to leave all with my Heavenly Father he certainly knows best and will do all things well, how gladly would I leave my family for a few days and do what I could to nurse you if my health would allow. But as it is I must be content with praying for you and desire you would remember in your prayers your unworthy friend L M Fowle—

Aunt Rebekah and Cousin Sarah desire their love to you and family mine likewise.