Urker Oct 16^th 1895

 

My dear Tom

 

            Molly [1] will not write to you this day so I must scribble a line myself. This day four weeks she came from Blackrock [2] and has been confined to bed ever since; and whether she will live or die, we know not. The D^r gave but little encouragement at first. Afterwards he seemed more hopeful; but to this day he looks very glum. All that can be done for her is being done; so we can only leave it in the hands of the Lord of life and death. He only knows what would be best for her.

 

            Yours of Aug 12^th received today. We all rejoice that you have such a clean bill of health; and we look forward with great pleasure to the prospect of seeing Minnie [3] and her children next Spring. The two youngest I never yet saw except in pictures. May God bless them all and keep them safe by land and sea.

 

            All your friends in Ireland are just as when you last heard. I am quite well and have nothing to trouble me except the afflictions of those who are afflicted.

 

            In looking over a large book which was left to me by Uncle Barkley [4] on his deathbed, I came upon a letter to him from dear old Aunt Donaldson [5] . A good deal of it relates to you, so I thought you would take an interest in reading it. I enclose it.

 

            With ten thousand times ten thousand blessings on you and yours (I never ask one less for you) and best love to your wife and children, I remain your ever loving Mother,

                        Eliza Jackson