Port Byron May 8th '78
Dear Son Charles,
I thought that I would try and write a few lines to you as I feel anxious to hear from you. But if you are well (as I hope you are) I suppose you have a plenty to do at this busy time in the year. But now I know that Lucy can write a good plain letter. Well, my health has ben rather poor the past winter and this spring, but I have had some appetite all the time and that has kept me along, but I am very weak now. I don't pretend to do much. I can walk around out doors some but it don't take much to throw me down. I can sew a little and knit a little and read some in coarse print, but I feel very thankful that I can make out to write so as to be understood. For if I could not, I should seldom hear from my children and distant friends.
Anna and Lucretia have just been out here to make a visit. For the first time, Lucretia's health is very poor. Edwin's daughter is marryed to a little fellow by the name of Sweet. They was quite opposed to the mach. Oh, how I do wish that you lived where I could see you and your family sometimes. But it will soon be all passed bye and I shall know nothing more about the things of the world. But my usefulness is gone and I have not much to live for, but my prayer is that I may be readdy and willing to go when I am calld for.
This may be the last that I shall write to you and it may not.
PSI ventured to send you $2 in this letter but if you should be short now, let me know and I will try and get a draft for you of ten dollars. Please write or have Lucy soon as you get this. Yours as ever. My love and regards to all,
Your Mother,