.MTE5Ng.MjEzNQ
25 September 1862
Powell Papers – 65 P875, Box III, Folder 2
- - - - -
Locust Hill Sep 25th / 62
My very dear Son
Your letter to Mr. Gray
has just given me the information of
dear Charlies removal from this world
of strife & blood. I trust to one, where there
is no more war; neither sorrow nor crying.
In the midst of grief for our sad bereave-
ment I find myself called on to sympa
thise with another of my unfortunate
family stricken in every branch.
Feathered like autumn leaves,
How desolate this house seems since its
head & ornament has been removed.
For ourselves we mourn for the loss of a
precious jewel, the beloved daughter, the
cherished wife, the invaluable mother.
When I first saw her released from the tor-
turer of her long suffering body, lying so calm
and beautiful in death, I could not lament
that the pure spirit had winged its flight
[2]
to realms of peace, never more to be dis-
turbed. Her illness was long and ago-
nizing, but not a trace of pain remains
today on his features, her fine forehead with
out a wrinkle, not a grey hair on her
head; her composed & checked counte-
nance, bore the impression of sweet and profound
sleep. She was surrounded by friends & every-
appearance of refinement her delicate
nature required, As she said, "It was a good
time for her to die."
A few months, or a few weeks, may change
all, the prospects are gloomy, & Mr. Gray
is very despondent, & he certainly is very
unlucky. Alice & Jane are here with me,
but it is uncertain how long we can remain
together, we may soon have to disperse again.
I am very unequal to the emergences of the
times, unable to move without assistance.
Ann's health is very precarious. The hus-
band in bed for several days, with a very bad
cough & fever, I shall continue to board with
[3]
Mr Gray as long as it is convenient
to him. I regret your separation from
your family very much knowing how necessary
the domestic circle is to your comfort.
My health continues as it was when you
saw me last. The feebleness of extreme
age, gradually increasing, but no acute
disease intervening.
I write with difficulty & feel fatigued
with the exertion, consequently never
____ ____ occasions. When I last heard from
Cuthbert he was in Washington very much
elated with his possition as Chaplain of a
hospital, proud of his zeal in the federal
cause & magnanimously offering to use his
influence with the higher powers for Mr
Grays benefit, He says he had seen Leven, but
his visit was not satifactory, L, shewing no
disposition to converse, apparently in good health
& in acquiescent state of mind.
Remember me affectionatley to Selina and
my dear grand daughters God comfort you
& have you in his holy keeping, Your Affectionate
Mother
(ed: This letter mentions the loss of her grandson, Charlie but
mainly the focus is on the passing of Ellen Powell Gray who is
her daughter and the sister of Charles, Sr.)