Kenyon College, Gambier
Knox Co.
Ohio
April 9th 1868

My dear Miss Lascelles,

I cannot tell you glad I was to hear of you through our dear Mrs Parkinson in writing to Nannie on our dear Mother's death. Since Nannie went to Ireland I have had no word of my cherished and deeply loved friends there. Much and often have I thought of you up to this and I rejoice to have the privilege of addressing you once again. We have had a great deal of anxiety and sickness amongst us since October last. Willy's wife took sick when their beautiful and only child died on Xmas day of scarlet fever. Emilie was not able to stir hand or foot when I went to see Chicago to them. Her baby's death kept her from recovery, so as soon as she was able she was taken in the sleeping cars to Nannies. She is greatly improved. We expect with God's blessing a summer's residence with us in Gambier will restore her. I had hardly got home from Willy's we were telegraphed for to go to our dear mother and before we started there was another dispatch to say she was no more. She suffered a great deal. Nannie was the only child she had to close her eyes and be with her to the confine of the grave. It has been a source of constant sorrow to me that my poor mother's mind was so unhinged that she could not be moved to us. Every change aggravated her disease and made her unhappy. Mamma was not quite a year in bed. Her removal at the end was unexpected but oh what a release to her and what a world of joy was opened to her!! She is buried with Papa and dear little baby Paul. Tell me my dear friend are you able to go out in fine weather and whom you have with you as an attendant. Do you sleep well and is your health good. It is some years since I had a letter direct from you. If you could write to me or ask some other to do it for you would oblige me very much. Tomorrow is good Friday. It is now 22 years! since you came into sit with our dear Sally the Last Good Friday she spent on earth. Are you still able to attend the Meals of Grace. I hope you have a faithful pastor who visits you often. I dont see Nannie or the boys often as their business connections lead them to Cincinnati and my husband is in the Literary world. It is only during the summer they come here as a recreation. Who lives in my dear Grandmamma's and Aunt's house? Does time hang heavily on you? are you still able to read and work and sew? I was sorry to hear of poor Mrs Russell's affliction in the death of her husband. I often wish you were near me living in Gambier. My husband and I are quite alone, all the family are married but two, a son and daughter, the former in the Treasury in Washington and the latter at school in Mansfield only a few hours drive in the railway form us. I am very happy in my husband's love, and his children are all respectful to me. John's tastes and pursuits all nice and congenial. He does not wear a beard or moustache. Nannie told me you did not like it on her husband. Nor is mine addicted to the smaller vices or propensities of smoking or chewing or snuffing or using tobacco or any other stimulant. We have very cold weather yet there has been a fall f snow and Jack writes me winter lingers long in Chicago. Remember me most affectionately to Mrs Parkinson and all the loved links in her dear circle. Also to Joe Surch. Tell him I intend to give him the pleasure of writing to him soon. Are the Campbells still in Ardglass. Dear old Mr Campbell, how much I would love to see him and feel the kind presence of his kind and fatherly hand. I can remember nothing of him as a child that was not lovely and good in character. He is yet presented? in my recollection as the true ideal of a Christian minister. My husband joins me in love to you my dear miss Lascelles. Including myself with the hope of hearing from you soon I am as ever your attached friend.

Kate Trimble.