Mary (Chapin) Burt - September 27, 1868 - Canton, IL

Canton Sept. 27 1868

To one and all,

Doubtless you are daily looking for a letter from me. I have since last writing to you taken up my residence in Canton. Came week ago Thurs. So far I like it very well and Willie gets along here so much better than when he was at Wellings in Peoria. There are no children here and that makes a great difference and Mr. Gleason shows him how to take care of the horse, feed the pigs chickins + c: he carries wood and water for me, and seems to take quite an interest in it. School commences next week and then I wish to send him to school.

Two or three days ago Welling sent me a letter that Jesse had written to him. He said that Father was so much worse urging one still to come out there, and he would take one down to your house. Had I received the word before I left Peoria I should have started for Urbana. Now I do not see how I can go. In fact four dollars is all the money I have in the world and it would cost me nearly eight dollars from here to Urbana. Were I in the situation to go I should not delay a moment.

Company came in and I have postponed until today. I have just got through washing and cleaned up, tea is ready and waiting for Mr. Gleason and I put in a few moments writing. Willie is watching the black walnuts. He has the range of a large yard and seems quite contented and I am not in such uneasiness as I was for fear he is some where he ought not to be or in mischief. I have left Nora at Wellings until I can make different arrangements.

I am still in hopes to hear that Father is better. I wish I could come I think of you often - Ah! what changes there has been and what there still may be ere another years rolls round. Our lives are in the hands of the Lord, He doeth as he seemeth best, I hope and trust that all may be well.

What consolation would we have if we had not the hope of a blessed immortality, a reunion beyond the grave where partings are unknown

What is this life, giving it reflection, though I see it so full of care, trouble sorrow, affliction pain and suffering, from which we are never free until we have passed the river and entered the celestial city.

Where does Hannah + Loesa live now? my love to them - - - - -

You will excuse me now as I am very tired and must retire - love to all, with the prayer that our Heavenly Father be with you in all your troubles guide and direct you

yours devotedly

M. L. Burt

Direct to Canton Illinois Care W. B. Gleason