RICHMOND, 16th, 1854.
DEAR HENRY:--Your mother and myself received your letter; she is
much distressed at your conduct; she is remaining just as you
left her, she says, and she will never be reconciled to your
conduct.
I think Henry, you have acted most dishonorably; had you have
made a confidant of me I would have been better off; and you as
you are. I am badly situated, living with Mrs. Palmer, and
having to put up with everything--your mother is also
dissatisfied--I am miserably poor, do not get a cent of your
hire or James', besides losing you both, but if you can
_reconcile_ so do. By renting a cheap house, I might have lived,
now it seems starvation is before me. Martha and the Doctor are
living in Portsmouth, it is not in her power to do much for me.
I know you will repent it. I heard six weeks before you went,
that you were trying to persuade him off--but we all liked you,
and I was unwilling to believe it--however, I leave it in God's
hands He will know what to do. Your mother says that I must tell
you servant Jones is _dead_ and old _Mrs. Galt_. Kit is well,
but we are very uneasy, losing your and _James' hire_, I fear
poor little fellow, that he will be obliged to go, as I am
compelled to live, and it will be your fault. I am quite unwell,
but of course, you don't care.
Yours,