| dc.description.transcription | Waco Texas Nov, 15th1868.Jesse McQuigg, Dear Jesse,It becomes my painful duty inform you of the death of that kind and affectionate boy who was the thankful recipient of your watchful and tender care and affection during that long and wearisome trip home. The day after you left I went into his room and he was weeping.I asked him what was the matter, he said I was thinking of parting with that boy never to see him again. Pa said he you don’t know how much I love him, I have nothad a chance to tell you how much careand attention he gave me on the Road, then he spoke of Cousin Sallie also waiting on him as if he had been his brother, he then said
that Jesse had gotten up late at night and after water for him into yards where dangerous dogs were,he asked me to write toyou and thank you for your kindness which I most heartily do.I was sorry that Billy had not told me before you left all about it,but he had told me enough to fill me so full of gratitude that I was unable to give utteranceto my feelingswhen you left our House, I hope to be able to reward but above any earthly reward, I hope &pray that the great I Am, will reward you with an everlasting crown of rejoicing.Billy said before he left home and told his Ma, who was his bedside companion, after he returned,that he would not live to see his 21stbirth day which was the 12thlast.On the 7thlast he asked me what day of the month it was I told him he said five more days will be my birth day, but I will not live to see it, if I do said he it will be a close fit, he talked as calmly about death as if was to be an earthly visit. On Wednesday evening about dusk he said to me Pa what strange feeling is on me. I asked him how he felt this short breathing, I told him it was death, he examined his pluse [sic] felt them carefully, and said I wish the good Lord would take me right now, he then turned to me and told me of two small debts he owed and asked to pay them, I asked if he felt then that his Savior was with him oh, yes Pa, all is right, & begged us not weep, thenhe died at just 9 o’clock on the 11that night only a few hours would have brought his 21stbirth day, he said a few days before his death that his faith grew stronger everday, and that death had no terror. Say to Uncle Charley & Aunt Sally that on taking the first view of the these providential scenes, it works very hard, the thought and reality of having to give up my dear children just as they arrive at maturity cut off in the bloom of youth and a hope of long life of usefulness,but then when I think of our loss being their everlasting gain, and a thought, after the toil & trials of this uncertain & perplexing life shall with me come to a close, of muting an unbroken family in that blessed world the christians home, I amright here enabled to rejoice in the very midst of my afflictions and bereavement,and give god the glory, whilst he holds the rod and inflicts punishment with one hand,he can & does administer comfort and consolation with the other, we would be so glad if Uncle Charley & Aunt Sallycould come and spend evena short time with us, but we know how they are situated, perhaps they can come in vacation, we want as many of you as can, come and spend vacation with us, besure & bring cousin Sarah Mc, we have no special localnews.Bud has arrived with her family & Mitty. Our love to all, write soon,Yours affectionately,B.H. RicheyP.S a few words to cousin Frank who never failed to receive a share of praise and gratitude from Billy for the great interest manifested by him for his comfort. Said if he wasnt able to do much he was always ready to suggest and plan for his welfare, for which he has our warmest thanks, Aunt Margaret White, god bless her for motherly care and council to my departed boy while at her House, I can never no never get done thanking her. I wish it was so that I could give her some token of my affection for her, but she & all of his kind friendsI hope will be rewarded in heavens pure world.I must desistYoursB.H.R. | |
