Anxieties. 333 



To one of her iictive habits— so fond of painting, 

 sewing, and corresponding witli her friends, it is a 

 very great deprivation. Onr daughters do every- 

 tliing for her comfort ; but she misses the privilege 

 of occupation ; and regrets most that she can no 

 longer be useful to me and to those around her. 



Her physicians think that even amputation 

 would not prevent her constitution from being 

 hopelessly shattered. To myself her present situa- 

 tion is full of foreboding and terrible anxiety. She 

 has been a mother to my children — my adviser — on 

 whose judgment I always relied ; my companion, 

 my help in all things. Conscientious in all her 

 duties, gentle and confiding, my home would be 

 desolate without lier. 



My children and grandchildren are all devoted to 

 her. I shall be glad if you will all write to her — 

 write cheerfully, and, as far as you can, encourag- 

 ingly. She is not naturally buoyant in spirit ; but 

 her mind is well disciplined in the school of trial 

 and adversity. 



In all other respects Providence has smiled upon 

 us. I am able to attend to my ministerial duties, 

 and on last Sunday, had an accession of twenty to 

 the Church. 



With love to all, " '^ 



J. B. 

 To Victor Audubon : 



As your Aunt Maria is unable to writ(.% I answer 

 your letter ; she is trying to write with her left hand, 

 but she is so inexpert, that you w^ould not recognize 

 the waiting as coming from one belonging to our 

 house. Her right arm becomes every day more 

 rigid, and what will be the result, God only knows. 

 She has long been to me more than a right hand, 

 and it is my duty now to cheer and encourage her, 



