Brandon May 16, 1826 [i.e. 1831] My Dear Husband I received yours of the 21 April on the 13th Inst. Br. M. took it from the PO to read, and it was consequently delayed in Mid. one week. I shall not attempt to describe how gratifying it was to hear from after having felt for so long a period the most painful suspense in regard to your welfare. I went to Tinmouth on the 23 of Dec. and returned to this place on the 1 Inst. Our Dear little boy expired in my arms on the first day of Jan. after an illness of only two and a half days. The first day of his illness he was about his play as usual. On the 2nd he became more unwell and I sent for a phisician. His symptoms at this time were not at all alarming. He appeared to have a hard cold and a little fever. The Dr. gave him an emetic which operated favorably and greatly relieved him. In the following night he grew worse his respiration became very much oppressed and towards morning his voice entirely failed him. At this time his disease assumed a very alarming aspect. We sent again for the Phisician but he did not arrive untill late in the morning. In the mean time we did every thing in our power to relieve his lungs, but to no effect. The circulation of blood moved tardily on and his respiration became more dreadfully laboured. The little creature was perfectly