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Sept. [September] 21st 
My dearest Sister -
I wrote to Ma a day or two since which letter you have probably seen I write you a few hurried lines by today's mail to let you learn of Ma's safe arrival at home after numerous mishaps. She ought to have reached here last Saturday but having been three days going up the river & detained a day in Montgomery she did not reach here until yesterday - (Monday). Her trip up the river was rather an unfortunate one as Jimmy was made quite sick he thinks from drinking 



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the water with dysentery and in checking this he has had fever from it. He was very much defeated and weakened and last night had high fever again. Today he is better & Dr. Moore thinks he may soon recover. Ma was much broken down with anxiety to get him home but is nevertheless well - and I think Jimmy will soon be the same as she considers him a great deal better today. We were all taken by surprise at their arrival and 'tho [though] delighted to see them were so disappointed not to have you with her as we expected. We talk of you all the time & your little ones and wish so 


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much you were near us so as to assist you in nursing them. Indeed I think it was a great trial for Ma to leave you & nothing but a sense of duty made her do so. She thinks our little darling better & I do trust he may now mend rapidly. But dear Callie don't (if you can help it) be too anxious about him. Try & trust God who will do all things well & whatever his will may be strive to make it yours. I know this seems to [deleted text: a] be almost foolish advice to you so difficult is it to follow but the longer I live the more reconciled I think I am to the death of little children and to the loss of my own dear boys. I write thus to you because I feel it and altho [although] I trust your boy may be 


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spared to be a great comfort to you - yet never believe that it is hard to give him to God - which is such a blessing if we could only realize it. If he does not recruit rapidly - I still think a change would do him good but you will do what you think best I doubt not. All keep pretty well here altho [although] [unclear text: Muggie] & her baby are still very unwell & feeble. She has to give her good nurse up soon and I know not what she will do [unclear text: She] & are both much worried about a nurse. I have just received a message to go & see old Mrs Welch who is very ill and I must close Do excuse my dull letter & receive it only as an assurance of affection & sympathy from your sister who feels so much for you - All send kind messages to you & Mr King & beg that you will [added text: write often about [unclear text: Joe] ] 


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I am almost ashamed to send this scrawl but I know you will be anxious to hear about Ma. The children almost cried about your not coming. Sallie Bird left today with Lizzy Dixon for Sparta. Again God bless you & yours

[Signed] Marion