Transcription
Hell Gate Sept 27th 1839
My dear Emma,
Before this reaches you, you will probably be informed tho’ your family of our affliction in the death of our dear Phil at Vienna on the 12th of Aug'st. As soon as my anxiety for poor Mary permits, I have thought how gratified you would be with a few lines, relating to particulars. He left Constantinople the last of June, and we had all received letters of 26th 28th, & 30th in fine spirtis assuming his determination to return this fall after passing thro’ Germany Belgium & countries which he had not yet visited. He passed tho’ Hungary and reached Vienna on the Eve of 4th August complained the next morn of feeling unwell and continued to do so the 8th when his traveling companions persuaded him to send for a Physician, he pronounced him laboring under a Bilious attack, his friends unconscious of any danger, on the morn of the 12th his symptoms changed in haste the physician was sent for and brought with him another of equal eminence they, gave as before, and it became evident to to himself & friends, that his end was near. When asked if he had any messages for America
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My love to my Sister & tell her I die happy! He was then asked if he would like to see Clergyman He said yes, but none could be found who understood English. The Service for the Sick was then read, by a friend he joined in the prayers with much earnestness -afterwards expressed a wish that he might die soon, but feared it might not be before morn. He expired at a quarter before ten & so calmly that his friend (young ? of N.Y.) thought him asleep and thus dear Emma, the young the gifted! the cherished! passed away I have no words to convey Marys grief. He was with Gvr. K. s family, & had eagerly searched the papers for the list of passengers, thinking it _ impossible he might arrive any day. The shock was so great as to paralyze her mind, for three days she lay without existence, circumstances rendering us extremely anxious for her. She now weeps freely, and ? to be comforted.
The consul at Vienna found in Phil’s portfolio, a letter addressed to Mary which she begs to copy.
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Pirerus, May 30 1839
My dear Mary,
As I have made no will, I write this memorandum, that in case of my sudden death you might know, in what manner I would wish my property to be disposed of. You of course as my sister, and my legal heir – on my death you will have your income become sole possessor of Elm Lake, you will have your income from Grandpapa’s Estate doubled and receive other additions to your fortune, you can then well spare a thousand or two dollars, and I wish to bestow them where they will be of more value. My days of childhood were passed with my cousin Emma, & my affection for her which originated then has grown with my growth I wish to give to her all the money which at this present time I have invested in many stocks in the city of New York, whether in Banks, Insurance companies or Rail Roads, I forget how much, but I know that I have claim to this money, but I trust you will respect my last request, & give it to her from me – I hereby give to John Herbert & to Wm. E. Jones all the monies which they owe to me-
Ph: Rhinelander.
Of course Johns consent must be obtained before you can dispose of your property -, but I am sure he will give it.
P.R.
Mr. King desires me to say he will immediately ascertain the amount, & begs me to offer his services in making any investment, if such should be yr wish
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or to transmit the money to you as may be. He further adds he would be most happy to do any thing relating to your wishes - & would be glad to hear from you soon – It is so long a time since we have heard from you that Mary is uncertain yet of yr marriage. I make no apologies dear Emma for a very hurried letter. May God soften this blow to you, I need not ask for your prayer for Mary, if she is not soon able to write I will again With much affection Believe me dear Emma yrs
M.L.G.R.
Address:
Miss Nicholas
Care of the Rev: S.S. Whitman
Belvedere
Illinois
Via Chicago
Postmarked:
New York Sep 27Transcriber
Catalina HannanLanguage
English
