Wincobank Dale

July 27^th / 66

I am here for a few days
my dear friend. I began
this unconnected epistle
at FenStanton and will
send it off just as it is from
this dear place. So full of
the never dying recollections
of the happy past. Dear
Mrs Rawson wishes to be
most kindly remembered to you.
She would write, but she
suffers from rheumatism in
the right hand which prevents
her holding a pen. How
changed is this home! Only
two sisters left of the large
party which filled it when
we met here! I went to
Sheffield yesterday, and
scarcely recognized that
road leading to the Station.
All the beautiful trees which
bordered it are cut down

and tall chimnies are rising
in their places - The woods are also gradually disappearing.
Truly all things here
are passing away. But
I feel that in the deep
affection and sympathy
of my heart -- for the dear
most valued friend and
brother, given to me by
a loving God & who once
gave me his blessing on
that altered spot -- that
in that there is Eternity.

Time has no power over
that inner life -- I stopped
and lifted up my heart
to God. And besought Him
to bless my absent Friend
with His richest blessings
in this world and in the next.

Dear Friend, I still
hope that I may be
employed in the Education

of the Freedmen some
day! -- Every now and
then there seems to come
a ray of light over my
path, which leads me to
believe that in his own
good time God will use
me as his instrument in
that field. I do not
know how long I may
remain in Mr. Coates family
My pupils are growing
fast, and will soon be
considered educated.
I wonder what my Heavenly
Father will then do with me!

I must, as you say, work
and trust, for all the
future is just now very dark.

I have another Paper
Knife for you, but it is
not quite so pretty as the
last one. However, you
will use this -- such as it is
for my sake. I could not
procure one exactly like the other.

I will send it by Mr.
Henry Vincent, who
is going over to the U. States
next month. He could
not take a large parcel
for which I am sorry,
but I hope to have
another opportunity of
sending several little things
I have for dear Rosa
I hope you will see
Mr. Vincent. He is so
truly noble. He knows
you, I believe. Give
my dear love to Rosa
and a kiss for me to dear
little Annie. Remember
me to Mrs. Douglass and
to Mr. Sprague also to your
dear sons. I think of
and pray for you all.
God will bless you --
My beloved Friend --
Ever believe me. Yours
most affectionately and devotedly
R. A. Draz