Gen2

My Dear William,

Your very long expected and welcome letter of the 20th of December last, came to hand on the 2nd of the New Year, now two months and very long ones they have been to my uneasy mind.

For although your account of John's state of health and mind were joyful tidings, full of consolation and satisfaction, I had every expectation since the arrival of your letter, of receiving one from John giving an explanation of the Almighty's dealings with him. As I have not received that favor, I will keep you in suspense no longer, trusting in the goodness of our king and all powerful God Almighty that he will continue his loving and manifold favors to him.

Marvelous indeed are the ways of God in his dealings with sinful mortals who are fast finding out glory, honor, and praise to his holy name for the changes wrought in my child. Unto his I ascribe all the praise.

I had a letter from John on the 23rd of October, in which he mentioned the friendly treatment he had experienced from all of his friends. I feel very grateful for all the attachment and kindness shown him by his New York friends and have full confidence that should it be the will of the Almighty to again afflict him, they will leave nothing undone to have him carefully taken care of, nor hear of him being in want without relieving him.

I also feel truly thankful to Cousin Samuel and Wife for their kindness has exceeded my expectations and is beyond all praise.

It is also glad news to know that Ellen's health is so much improved; however I often wonder that she did not come home for we can not remember any unkind treatment given her while under our humble roof. If we have we would be glad to know. It is likewise good news to know that all of our children in that country are in the enjoyment of good health. Thanks and praise be unto the Almighty given thereof.

I am happy to know that you still continue your housekeeping establishment as I am certain you are more comfortable than you would be otherwise. It may be more expensive but comfort should be more esteemed than a few shillings. Besides you are not exposed to the villains and treachery going on in the City. I am also gratified to know that you are pleased with your situation. Indeed, I can not tell the satisfaction I feel inwardly when my mind wanders to your fireside which is a daily occurrence. I think of seeing you all seated together under the guidance and protection of one who is able to take care of all of his creatures that put their trust in him which I trust and hope you all do firmly.

I am glad to know that my present was received with pleasure and that it is so much thought of but with regard to your coming to see us, nothing would give us more pleasure than to again behold any of our absent children. Were there no danger to encounter, we would say come but dreading the many perils attached to such an undertaking, we will leave the matter to your own choice and may the Lord direct you aright.

I now wish to say that my health is reasonably good but the shake of my hands is much worse. I cannot shave myself since I was sick. I attempted twice but cut myself which makes me afraid to attempt it again for sometime longer. Neither am I as firm on my limbs but have hopes of them improving and am getting on as usual in the fulfillment of my situation.

Mother and Anne, thank God, are in very good health. Charles and Jane are also well. Jane was here to see us in November but stayed only one night. Anne went home with her and stayed two weeks. All friends in Derry, Lahan, Roxboro, and Glen are well. When the weather takes up, I am going to see my Uncle. I have not been in Glen for the last two years.

Anne and I receive your papers regularly and we prize them very much. The one you mentioned that Samuel sent did not come to hand. Tell Richard to write two or three words always, for anything he sends, our first look is to see if there is writing within. I have not received an answer to my last to Fannie. Uncle Moses received a letter from James on the 23rd of January last. He was then peddling in Ohio with Uncle Sam Love. I wish they may have a quiet ending.

This has been a very stormy winter with high winds, snow, and rain. I'm happy to say, however, that no damage has been sustained in this neighborhood.

As soon as you receive this, write to John and tell him how anxious I am to hear from him and request him to write without delay if has not already done so. Be sure to remember us warmly to him, and Cousin Sam, Wife and child. Remember us also to James, wife and family, to Margaret, husband and family, to Fannie and husband, and to Uncle and Aunt Dare and Gideon in the kindest manner.

I will now give you the Register of all my children's births:

James Hamilton April 12, 1820
Jane April 26, 1822
Margaret October 30, 1823
Frances Walker January 6, 1826
Eleanor April 14, 1828
William Dare March 18, 1830
Richard July 6, 1832
Samuel January 22, 1835
John December 1, 1836
Anne February 17, 1838

I suppose you all remember Miss Chittick that lived for some time with Mr. Labatt. I received a letter from her on the 19th of the last month with respect to a property in the County of Fermanagh belonging to her family which she requested me to make known to Mr. Labatt. I did so and he gave me a note which I enclosed to her on the 23rd day of the same month. She requested to know the particulars of my family, particularly Margaret as they were great comrades. I gave her an account of their place of abode and gave her your address. Perhaps she may call to see you. I fancy Ellen remembers her. She has been married for the last thirteen years and has a large family. Her husband's name is William Ralston, care of Mr. Christopher Chittick, 76 Cannon Street, New York City, N.Y.

We are getting along as usual with our little worldly affairs. Anne has the boy for another year that we had the last one. I suppose John told you who he was. We are very well satisfied with his management.

Cousin James Cassidy was with us from early in December until last week, teaching bookkeeping. He finished the first and second sets.

I have every hope that some of you will write soon and that you will be more punctuated than you have been heretofore.

This Country is in great distress at present by the scarcity of fodder. Hay is now five shillings per hundred and sheaf oats two shillings per shock. I expect to have enough for our little stock, four in number. The Lord bless you all. Amen.

As I can think of nothing else to communicate at present, I will draw to a close. Mother and Anne join me in love and blessing to you my dears, William, Ellen, Richard and Samuel and all friend and relations, praying that the good and all powerful Lord will always in all places watch over and protect you from all dangers in this uncertain world and at last receive you into His Heavenly Kingdom, there to behold his glory and dwell with our Redeemer forever and ever. These are the prayers of your ever loving and affectionate Father.

Samuel Love
NB Be sure to write.