Inicipit

Buffalo 13th Dec 1857

My Eldest Brother

Your ery kind letter came duly to hand, for which I thank you for it has opened again a vein of affectionate sympathy that had been too long closed at one end at least, – I say that I realy feel thankful for it, for one of the comforts of my life is to think that I love am beloved in turn by my kindred & however I may at times manifest my love God knows that I realy love all & desire their true happiness –