59

Lumberton Oct. 3rd 1843

My Dear Wife,
[Time?] and old John have brought
me thus far on my circuit and tomorrow evening it
will be half over. It seems a long - a very long time
since I have seen you and it makes my heart sink
when I reflect that it will be equally long before
I can have the pleasure of meeting you again. The thought
too of your sickness and suffering comes over me of-
ten with a saddening effect, but I endeavour to con-
sole myself with the reflection that the issues of all
things are in the hands of a great, wise and good be-
ing whose will we are bound to obey and to whose dispensations
we should submit in humble acquiescence, trust-
ing that their ultimate effects will be for our good. May
He who has been with you in nine trials not desert
you in the tenth and may we meet again in peace
and happiness with one more sweet little lamb added
to the flock committed to our charge- I have
not yet received the letter which in my last, I reques-
ted you to direct to me at this place. I expect it
however by the mail which comes in from Fayette-
ville today. If this should reach you before Satur-
day, you must write me on that day and direct to
Elizabethtown Bladen County but if you do not get it
until after that time , you may defer writing until
the middle of next weekand then direct to Wilming-
ton. If you can not write conveniently yourself, let some
of the children or Laura do so.