Cincinnati,
2nd December 57

My dear dear Mrs Parkinson,

I have just consigned to the flames my third attempt at writing to you since the receipt of two letters one from Mr Campbell and one from Mrs Campbell. In the latter was mentioned the unexpected death of our beloved friend Mr Parkinson. It came like a thunderbolt, not looked for, unanticipated and mysterious to us. How long ago or how long ill she did not say, it is more than probable she thought some of the friends in Killough had written to us of the sad event. How thankful I would have been to any dear friend who would have done so much for me. I have repeatedly written home this last eighteen months and have had no reply to any letters or papers, the reason why I cannot account for, unless by the carelessness of the American postal arrangements or losses by sea. I do trust we may be more fortunate hereafter. I feel as tho I had offended someone but like one in the dark cannot make my way out. I flatter myself my dear Mrs Parkinson that you feel how sincerely we all sympathise in your affliction for yours is ours. I had hoped my day of probation would have ended long ere our friend, our beloved friend, should have arrived and at one time hoped he and some others at home would have placed the last sod on my resting place. This has not been permitted, but he is transcendently happy, and our loss is his infinite gain, yet, with all these thoughts it afflicts me to address you in a capacity I had never anticipated. How glad I am .. his … and so many of the dear children's . We dont need them to bring up fond memories of by-gone days and smiles that might as well be… I hope this will reach you by Xmas and that you will speak of us as those that are mingling their thoughts with you and … and making resolutions to live that we may have a reunion where partings are unknown and farewells never heard.

My love to Mrs Erves. I had hoped she would not have been so … we have drawn largely on each others friendship in the way .. writing I hope to mend? I wish I could say something of comfort to you my dear Mrs Parkinson in this your sad bereavement but I know well you can appreciate all the promises and consolations of the Gospel. May you be allowed to "bow to the rod and He? that hath appointed it". I met with a beautiful passage the other day …. I thought at the time I should transcribe it for you, as regards the removal of our loved ones " … now you .. the vanity of the world; death when sent pities not the poor, spares not the rich but faithful in his charge and cannot be corrupted. they are happy in … me and I should be happy in loosing them, and returning to God. …[continues on like this for several lines and ends at bottom of page - remainder of letter is missing]