A Heavy Heart. 377 



I am surrounded by dear and sympathizing 

 friends, who do every thing for me that lies in their 

 power ; but my heart is sad and solitary. I am 

 using all my efforts to stem the torrent of a grief 

 that unresisted would carry me almost to the brink 

 of despair. 



Your dear mother a few nights previous to her 

 death said to me, that you had repaid her a thou- 

 sand times over for all her attentions to you in 

 childhood. To me you have ever been most dutiful 

 daughters; I could not wish for more attention, 

 obedience and affection ; yet the remnant of my 

 life must be solitary it cannot be otherwise I sub- 

 mit to God's will. I shall endeavor to live for my 

 children and for my duties. God may have some- 

 thing more for me to do, if it be only to suffer. 

 * * * * * * * * 



Love to all, not forgetting the little folk, 



J. B. 

 To MRS. H. M. T. : 



CHARLESTON, Feb. 1 7th. 



My Bear Emma : On my return on Saturday 

 night, after an absence of several weeks, I found 

 your letter of the 2nd instant, together with about 

 fifty others waiting for my attention. I shall notice 

 your's among the first. 



I went to the country to visit the sick and to seek 

 relief from my heavy trial alas ! I have not re- 

 covered from the shock ! My two homes in Charles- 

 ton and Columbia, are almost insupportable to me, 

 as I am every moment reminded of my irrepara- 

 ble loss and desolate state. I know my duty well 

 enough, and I am daily praying for strength to bear 

 my loss with submission to Him, who orders all 

 things in wisdom. I feel assured that He will not 

 forsake me, but will be with me during the short 

 time to which my lonely life is now restricted. 



