B-316-16
Philadelphia 2nd Mo 22nd 1820
Dear Uncle & Aunt,
It is with extraordinary sensations that
I attempt now to put into execution,that which I have
very frequently contemplated doing during the long interval
of silence between us- I say extraordinary sensations because
I cannot describe my feelings, but supposes they are attributable
to a consciousness of mission in hearing that unattended to,
which I, a often thought I would do; and in a great
measure, they may be owing to the many events mutually
interesting, which have occurred since our correspondence
has been suspended. Some of them particularly pleasing,
and one painful indeed to many of us; but as the object
of our sorrow, was one of the comparatively few striking
examples of Christian dedication, there is mingled with
the indescribable feelings of regret, for the loss of so
endeared a friend, an altercation of all others the most
consoling- when my mind reverts to the serious subject
of the removal of one, when treated me with the greatest
kindness, and watched over me with all the affectionate
interest, and solicitude of a tender mother, it does really
excite heartfelt grief, and tears of unfeigned sorrow- but
I trust our friendship, our mutual love, was founded on the
true basis of Christian fellowship- and it is a source of the
most pleasing reflection, that it continued through life, and
was evinced towards unworthy me when she was about
to depart this checkered scene- she was to me a mother
in-deed
