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Copy [underlined] May 2nd Recd 10 June 63 [underlined]

My dear Aunt

A friend asked me to put the enclosed in the way of going “(It is a letter to Mrs Maria Scott, Gambier, Ohio. U. S. A.)“ so please stamp it. I thought I would send a line to you under the same envelope[crossed out] precious stamp.

I am grieved to hear from you that there is no hope for Johnny tho’ we felt here that there was none; but I could not make up my mind that the dear lovely boy (for he had grown up all & more than he fancied) had passed away for ever. God is a merciful Father,

                              loving

& He has given strength to his poor[crossed out] Mother, to a degree that seems a miracle. – I thought the blow would have crushed her.

Your letter of 1st. April reached me yesterday – just one month old. I am sorry I have missed that containing the account of dear Alice’s illness & death. from what I had heard from others, I hoped she had died without pain. And I cannot tell you how much I have thought of her, and of you & her poor Mother, all this day. You know Alice was my favorite of all those girls; & it grieved me so to think of her sufferings. –

I am glad you are going to England, & hope you will see much of my friend there: and for another friend & relation, [?] me his love for you has never changed, & his kindness to me has been unwavering.

We are all well as usual. Turner has a little cold. He & I went with Mrs. Wilson to spend a day in the country; and an

                          got

April shower coming on, he caught[crossed out] cold. – You will be glad to hear that I had him baptised yesterday. An Episcopal clergyman was passing through the city: & I was informed that he would do it if I desired – which I did desire. He wore that same frock that all have worn, but I had to cut the sleeves open to allow his fat arms to go in. His ears are better: & he is is[crossed out] very good child now. The boys are fond of him; & so are Jane & Mary Lewis.

I heard lately from Mrs. Simms. She tells me that Mrs. McBlair has lost her husband, & is left utterly penniless. The officers took up a subscription for her.

Cousin Eliza & Sally have been staying with cousin Robert, for some little while: He writes we both are in their usual

                                        at

health, & his own Wife better than usual ^ this season.