Trenton - Oct 11th 66

My Dearest Addie,

I hardly know how to write to you my dear distressed child. I know you have heard before this of the death of your dear father and grandfather. Oh how sad it is to lose our dearest and best friends. It is the lot of us all. You must try and bear it as best you can. The Lord knows what is best for us and it is our duty to try and submit as much as possible. I know it is hard, but you must trust in the lord for grace to support you. Every person was very much alarmed as soon as it was known it was cholera and soon as they died, the Dr. advised your grand Ma and the girls to leave and they all went to your aunt Betsy's and stayed several days and Babe came out and spent several days with me and Bettie went out to Uncle Mitchell's. The dear children was so much disturbed. I do sympathize with them so much. I sent word to Bettie that she must come and stay with me next week. Your Pa was perfectly in his senses and talked to the children a great deal and knew that he must die. Your grand Ma is at your aunt Betsy's, but will go to Brownsville to live. She is very much distressed indeed. Babe told she had received a letter from you saying your health was very much improved. I was glad to hear it. If your Pa had a will, it has not been found. He left all of his papers in Mr. Jones hands in Memphis. He is to come up soon to take charge of them. They are now in cousin John Carthel's hands. Some one will administer the next court. Your Ma was to come back next month. Addie, you must excuse my disconnected letter for I cannot write to save my life for I live you so dearly my dear child, and fear very much you will give way to your feeling too much for health. Let me entreat you my child to try and bear it well as can. Jimmy is now in bed with a child. Do not let any one see this letter. The family joins me in love to you. May the Lord bless you.

Your devoted aunt,

Aly Neilson

Write to me soon.