Fort Scott Nov 4th 1857
Dear sister I received a letter from Annie a few days ago informing me that all were well at home but tonight I received one from thee informing me of the death of our dear father when I took the letter from the Post Office I thought it was a little strange that I should get another letter so soon but the thought never entered my mind that any of you were unwell much less dead but I soon found it contained the saddest news that I had ever received Oh how I wish that I could have seen him before he died I have always hoped since I left home that we would all meet ^be suffered to^ again at the old hearthstone it has been my prayer ever since I left home that God would spare our lives until we could meet once more I have always thought since I left home that to go home and find you all alive and well would be happiness indeed but to miss one from the family circle would be something that I could not bear and that I would wish I had- stayed away only a few weeks ago I subscribed for a paper printed in the Territory to be sent to him thinking that he would like (and in his old age would spend most of his time reading) to know what was transpiring on the other side of the continent but see how soon I was disappointed about the time that I expected to hear that he had received it I hear he is no more and that the paper that I supposed he would received by him will be received by the remaining members of the family that are now sad and lonely I would have answered Annies letter immediately after receiving if I had been well enough I had a chill that day and was unable to answer it I have had no chill since that but the effects of it and the Medicine and very bad cold has kept me down until now I would come home if I thought it would be any comfort to you although it would add to my afflict ions I can't see any particular necessity of my coming home at present and to do so be very inconvenient to me at present pecuniarily although if necessary I will do it thee must try to comfort our dear mother so that her afflictions may be as light as possible I can only home to meet you all yet upon earth and my dear father in Heaven with much love to all I remain thy affection brother
Charlie
