“I hope that the Lord will spare his life and bring him back to his wife and children again”

[Monday,] July 6, 1863

Dear friend,

I take up my pen to let you know that I have not forgotten you and that I miss you very much when Sunday evening comes. Yes, I often think of you and your poor little ones and of their father that is so far from you and them. I hope that the Lord will spare his life and bring him back to his wife and children again, for it is hard to be left as I am in this world. I often wish I was laid in the grave by my husband and child. I feel very lonesome by spells.

It will be five weeks Wednesday since I left Utica but it seems more like a year than five weeks. I don’t feel contented here. I think I must come back to Utica again, for I feel more contented there than any other place I know of. It is very pleasant here for the lake is right in front of the house. I often sit by the window for hours and look in the water.

It is getting late and I must bring my letter to a close, so I bid you good night. Mary sends her love to you. Excuse me for not writing sooner. I am well and hope that these few lines find you and children the same. When you write let me know when you heard from your husband last and how he is getting along.

Write soon and oblige me.

I remain as ever, your friend,

Sarah M. Graff

Yours truly

Direct your letters

Sarah M. Graff

Hawkinsville NY

Excuse this poor writing