Lisle House

Bournemouth

Hampshire

Dec. 10th / 67

My very dear Friend My thoughts at this season of the year, even more than usual take their flight towards you—And travel back to the happy period, when I had the joy of personal intercourse with you—Long years of absence have not & never could efface the memory of those bright, most happy days from my heart. I love to think of them. I take shelter in that sweet remembrance of the past. When my heart is tempest tossed—When all is dark around me

I still give thanks to God for that one glimpse of heaven Oh! It is indeed blessed to know that the door which now seems shut will open again -in that world where congenial Spirits and sympathizing hearts can no longer be kept assunder. Dear friend, I write these few lines, thinking you may be at home, for Christmas, and that they may find you there. Accept my warmest, heartfelt wishes for a happy, happy New Year to you and to every member of your family. It is a great consolation to me to think of you surrounded by so many loving hearts—several having been added to the number—since last Christmas. I am glad that you have a beloved brother near you—and then the sweet grandchildren besides your friends at a distance, who will surround you with their affectionate thoughts. I know there is still much to grieve and discourage your noble, kind heart in the unjust treatment of your people in some of the American States—But all will be right by & bye—God be praised—they cannot be re-enslaved. They will gradually make their way out of all the difficulties which beset them just now—

Do not think that I have ceased to care for your dear people—I will never cease to pray and work for them—This last year has been one of extreme anxiety for me. My poor brother's affairs and his children have occupied me much. I am Like you—my beloved friend—all look to me to give a helping hand in time of need and difficulty. There seems to be no end to our cares—this side the grave. I should not find mine so heavy if I could only be sure that you have no burdens to bear. Yet when I see those around me who are overwhelmed with all the good things of this world upon whose path there is no shadow and whose hearts

I am knitting you—such a nice—warm wrapper—I wish you had it now—You must take care not to expose yourself to taking cold in traveling this winter God bless and keep you