about 13 January 1853

Dear Emily -

I fear you will be lonely this dark and stormy day, and I send this little messenger to say you must not be.

The day is long to me, because I have no Vinnie, and I think of those today who never had a Vinnie, and I'm afraid they are lone. I have wanted to come and see you - I have tried earnestly to come, but always have been detained by some ungenerous care, and now this falling snow, sternly, and silently, lifts up its hand between.

How glad I am affection can always leave and go - How glad that the drifts of snow pause at the outer door, and go no farther, and it is as warm within as if no winter came! Dear Emily, do not sorrow, upon this stormy day - "into each life some 'flakes' must fall, some days must be dark and dreary." Let us think of the pleasant summer whose gardens are far away, and whose Robins are singing always!

If it were not for blossoms we know that we shall see, and for that brighter sunshine above - beyond - away - these days were dark indeed, but I try to keep recollecting that we are away from home - and have many brothers and sisters who are expecting us. Dear Emilie - dont weep, for you will both be so happy, where "sorrow cannot come."

Vinnie left her Testament on a little stand in our room, and it made me think of her, so I thought I w'd open it, and the first words I read were in those sweetest verses - "Blessed are the poor - Blessed are they that mourn - Blessed are they that weep, for they shall be comforted." Dear Emily, I thought of you, and I hasted away to send this message to you.

Emilie -