To Mrs. J.G. Holland
From ED

November 1882

The dear Mother that could not walk, has flown. It never occurred to us that though she had not Limbs, she had Wings - and she soared from us unexpectedly as a summoned Bird - She had a few weeks from us unexpectedly as a summoned Bird - She had a few weeks since a violent cold, though so had we all, but our's recovered apparently, her's seemed more reluctant - but her trusted Physician was with her, who returned her to us so many times when she thought to go, and he felt no alarm - After her cough ceased she suffered much from neuralgic pain, which as nearly as we can know, committed the last wrong - She seemed entirely better the last Day of her Life and took Lemonade - Beef Tea and Custard with a pretty ravenousness that delighted us. After a restless Night, complaining of great weariness, she was lifed eaerlier than usual from her Bed to her Chair, when a few quick breaths and a "Dont leave me, Vinnie" and her sweet being closed - That the one we have cherished so softly so long, should be in that great Eternity without our simple Counsels, seems frightened and foreign, but we hope that Our Sparrow has ceased to fall, though at first we believe nothing -

Thank you for the Love - I was sure whenever I lost my own I should find your Hand -

The Clover you brought me from Father's Grave, Spring will sow on Mother's - and she carried Vioelts in her Hand to encourage her.

Remember me to your Annie and Kate. Tell them I envy them their Mother. "Mother"! What a Name!

          Emily.