[written later: Mrs. Craven]
Dolores.
July 28th 1863.
My dear Mrs. Gibbons.
I cannot refrain
from offering you my sincere
sympathy in your misfortunes
and write to inquire for you,
and yours, under the painful
circumstances of your return
home.
The papers have informed
me of the utter destruction of
your home, the ruin of your
household goods, the ravages
by a mob, which nothing can
restore to you. In the midst
of your sorrow over the ruin,
however, there is a feeling
of gratitude to the Providence,
that has saved your loved
[left side]
ones from destruction, and trust
your [?] found Mr.
Gibbons and your daughters
well.
I owe you my thanks for
your kind letter received so
long ago. The papers have
told you of the end of our
dear boy's days on earth.
when I see you, I will tell you
of his patience and [?],
his entire submission to God's
will. We have had much
sorrow during the past few
months, but I will not dwell
upon it. "Every heart knoweth
its own bitterness."
I have been an invalid for
several months, having been
very ill in the winter, but
I am thankful to say, that
I am rapidly improving, and
[right side]
hope soon to be quite well,
but sickness and sorrow have
made me feel very unlike
my former energetic self.
I trust your health has
not suffered in the performance
of your noble duties. God
will reward you, and I hope
spare you [?] to your family.
I hope to be in New York
in the Autumn, to give my
children the
advantages of
the admirable schools there,
and shall remain during
the school term. Perhaps I
shall have the pleasure of
seeing you and Miss Sally.
Remember me very kindly
to her, and please present
me respectfully to Mr Gibbons.
Louis remember you all, and
will be glad to [make?] his acquaintance
with you.
If you have leisure, I shall
be much pleased to hear
from you, and wish I could
be of any service to you.
Is there anything I can do?
Believe me ever truly
Your friend
M. L. Craven
