1870

In this collection’s lone letter from 1870, Mary Burt provides an update to her mother about her current circumstances. Her mental health struggles seem to have persisted since the loss of Thomas in 1868, and her father in 1869. The letter divulges her imposter syndrome in her new position as a school teacher and her general depression. To quote Mary, “Some-times I feel as if, that through all the trials, fears, hopes, anxieties the senses were benumbed and heart and brain have lost their action.”  Exacerbating matters even further, her separation from her children–who are now living in three different towns–has seemed to take an additional toll on her. “Sometimes I feel as if the burden was almost too heavy, often my heart sinks, but the Lord will not inflict more than we are able to bear.”