Author: Valeria L. Nelson [age 25]
Title: Letter to “Aunt” [Hannah P. Draper]
Date: 02 December 1862
Curator: Christine Fisher
Note:
Springport
02 December 1862
Dear Aunt:
I thank God for loving friends; my words comforted you, and yours in turn gave me comfort. Hope had well nigh died in my heart, it seemed as though light would never come. Your letter was as a gleam of sunshine as Nellie said. And that sweet little poem is a treasure. Oh! is it not a blessing that the thoughts of one heart, will meet the wants, and give joy to another.
I have been burdened with the care of unraveling the mystery which hangs over my brother’s fate. I felt that I could not rest until I had searched out the matter. But God has shown me that it is his will I should leave the matter with him. And there I have left it trusting him for the result. Knowing that his name shall be glorified and that is enough. Marcus wrote us a letter on a sheet of paper which you sent him. He said in the letter, keep it till I come home, for I wish to preserve it as a momento of Aunt Hannah’s kindness. Need I say it is preserved. I must close to leave space for mother.
Your neice Valeria (age 25)