Jno Smith.
Addressed—
Brigade-Major Smith, 95th Reg^t Rifle Corps,
Light Division, Light Brigade.
Serving under
Marshal Wellington,
Spain.
Letter IV. Endorsed—“14^{th} Dec^r, 1813. My dear Father’s Letter announcing my poor Mother’s Death.—H. G. S.”
Whittlesea, Decr 14th, 1813.
We have received, my Dr Harry, your letter dated Sante Pe, Novr 14th, and it was read by myself, your Dr Mother, Brothers, and Sisters with infinite pleasure in finding you were both unhurt, and with gratitude to the Almighty for the preservation of you both in this and in every other danger you have so often been expos’d to.
But, my Dr Boys, what pain, what affliction is it to me to tell you it is the last letter your poor dear Mother will ever hear or read more from you.
You have been apprised of her ill health by your Sister Eleanr, and we did not wish to distress your feelings by repeatedly telling you the ill state of her health, for we were in hopes she might have got well again. But alas! her Dr soul quited this earthly abode on Sunday morning, Decr 12th, in hopes of a joyful resurrection, which her pious, virtuous, good life entitled her to hope for in her blessed Lord and Redeemer. Oh Harry! she prayed constantly for the return and welfare of you both; she suffer’d much in anxiety; she dearly, very dearly lov’d you and adored you, and in her last prayers never lost sight of her dear Boys abroad. She died in her perfect senses even to the last moment. I hope she did not suffer very much in the separation of soul and body.... Your poor distrest father, Brothers and sisters all unite in the strongest love and affection for you both. God Bless you.
Jno Smith.
Send a proper direction. Pray write to me on the Receipt of this.