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Hemans, Nancy A. (b. 1843) to Alexander Shiras

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02429.42 Author/Creator: Hemans, Nancy A. (b. 1843) Place Written: Nebraska Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 14 March 1878 Pagination: 2 p. ; 24.9 x 19.7 cm. Order a Copy

Discusses her husband's sickness and impending death. Comments on sympathetic visitors, her friendship with the Shiras's, and the tragedy the death will be for their son.

Quotes

"my poor husband lung sickness. he has confine to his bed now never to get up from that bed. never to go in to his Chapel & preach to his people again. I never fail to say.'Thy will be done.' I'll try to say it again. He knows what is best for us. I sat by him and watch him all he time he told me last night. he is getting more weak…I am afraid he would not live through the winter. spring I mean. Mr Hinman…will be here again tomorrow. and he will give the Holy Communion to him. all the people seemed very sorry to loose him. they use to came in sat by him & give him a comforting words. show their kindness to him. Our Agent is come to see Daniel. the Doctor too. both of them seemed much touched by the scene they see here. how they sympathize with me in my trials."
"I feel so miserable I am tired not well at all…you & Mrs Shiras is my best real friend, I will not forget you on earth & heaven. I feel as you are my own parents. so I ought to tell you every bit of my sorrow."
"when he was out of doors. he came in says. 'Mama please give me piece of bread. or say such talk as that in good natured ways happy ways. that he don't know what a dreadful thing is going to happen. about his dear papa. I'd say in low tone 'ah my poor boy my precious child. my soul. you dont know that your papa is going to leave you. left you as a orphan."

Hemans, Nancy A., 1843-?
Shiras, Alexander, 1813-1894
Hemans, Daniel W., fl. 1871-1881

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