[In same envelope as previous letter from Susanna Bates Dickey of the same date. George (married to Laura) was John Bates Dickey’s brother. Nettie, Millie and Lizzie were all sisters of his.]
Mid. Musq. Aug. 28th, 19/04
Dear Brother.
Your letter to mother, bearing the sad news of Annabelle’s death, reached us on Wednesday.
We wish to express our deepest sympathy for you, in the loss of one so near and dear.
We feel that we have lost a dear sister. But knowing of the dear relationships between husband and wife, we can understand something of what your loss has been. But your loss is Heaven’s gain. From reading her letters, we know that your dear wife was prepared to meet her Saviour.
A loving Father’s hand is in it all. He knows what is best for us. We may not know now why God deals so with us, but sometime we will understand, if not in this life, in the sweet life beyond, where we shall meet our loved ones gone before,
Your life has now an emptiness in it which nothing can seem to fill. But Jesus will give you the comfort which you need Through these waters of affliction he will be with you, Lean hard on His strong arm, he will sustain thee.
Your dear wife has only gone on before you, and is waiting to greet you in your Father’s house.
We are all well at present. Nettie and Millie and Lizzie are still with us.
We all feel very sorry for you.
May God’s grace sustain and comfort you in this dark hour of trial, Please give our sympathy to Mr and Mrs Wickham and family.
Your loving Sister and Brother
Laura and George.