
          Williamsbourgh [Williamsburg] Jan. [January] 14.
 1853.


 High revered dear Sir,


 My poor wife was suffering since some
 days very much, how it seems to me, by reumatism [rheumatism] 
 in the head and in a manner she has
 never had before. She must be laying to
 bed and I could not carry my enclosed
 letter from 12. [hujns?], to the post-office.
 Kind forgiveniss [forgiveness] therefore.


 To day, in this moment, I receive on [one]
 other kind letter, dat. [datum] of 10. Jan. [January], from You,
 when I was going to the post office, wherefore
 it is now possible to me, to reply to both.


 I am in verity in some anxiety and distressedness, 
 to seem perhaps negligent or
 ungrateful, but dear Sir, to do so, I am unable.
    
        