Lyman Colton to Ruth Fletcher, 1862 March 30
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By yesterdays mail I received a few lines from you and was very glad to know that
you were still in the land of the living, and yet sorry to hear of your ill
health. I trust if these few lines reach you they will find you and your family
in good health. For myself I can say that my health is tolerable, at present
though I am Somewhat worn by exertion. I am laboring in the "Sugarbush" as the
Hoosiers term it, in company with my brother-in-law, Seth Jagua, and it keeps me
busy Nancy is not very well at present She has an attack of the Diphtheria Our
little girl grows finely She is now six months old. I should be very glad to pay
you a visit, but the means to do so, with, are not within my reach Why cannot
you, and Unkle A. come and visit us? The trip might improve
your
health and give you both a fresh start on the voyage of life I am very anxious
to see you again in the flesh but the Great Disposer of Events only knows
whether or not I may enjoy the privilege, If this may not be I trust we shall
meet in Heaven to part [no] more Give our
love to all your family and all of our relatives within your reach If you know
the whereabouts of Aunt Susans Children (Mary, Cornelius & Levi) please to
give me the information Please remember us also to Unkle John Atwell and family
when you see them I wonder why Aunt Lydia never writes to any of us Tell her
that a communication from her would meet with an eager perusal and a prompt
response.....I am about building a "log cabin" for my resting place and I think
of working some on a farm in connection with other duties
that devolve
upon me during the coming year ....We have not been to see Unkle L. for some
time. owing to the fact of that the small pox has
been prevalent in their vicinity and they have had a share with others in the
disease Father sends his love to you all Tell Ella that Unkle Shepard will
answer her kind letter before long and while I think of it. tell the children
that cousin Lyman would like to hear from them too I have no doubt that you
watch over them in their childish sports with a parents pride and I hope that
they may live to cheer you and their father in your declining years Our love to
Unkle Andrew Write to us soon and if God permit yours will be promptly responded
to Pray for us
Ever your Affectionate NephewLyman, S, Colton