From Catherine O'Bryan [the letter is signed Bryant] on Fourth Street, New York, United States, to [her daughter] Mary Thorne.
Mary's dear son James came here last night to Mr Shaw's where she is staying for the present. She was very glad to see him although she did not know him at first sight. She did not find his beard attractive but put up with that when she discovered his name from Mary's sister C. C. [Bussell]. He stayed the night and Catherine talked too much than was comfortable for her voice so that in the end she had to desist from speaking, but C. C. more than made up for her.
Spiritual matters are discussed.
They have been expecting to hear from Mary for some weeks past, especially of her dear child's departure from this world for a better one. When one has faith there is no reason to mourn.
Catherine did love C. C. Bussell, for `she was a most amiable child from her birth, hardly like any other child of her age, never favoured as many are now, with religious instruction, yet she seemed heavenly minded…though she was so much afflicted for years…she was as pleasant and composed to lay down and suffer quietly all her pain, (rheumatism in every limb of her body, a violent cough and the shortness of breath besides) she never murmured or complained…' It was a trying time for Mary's sister, but she was given strength to be with her dear child throughout her last illness, although she felt very weak and sick for some time after the funeral. She remains apparently unmoved by her trials but is in truth more affected than many people who show grief openly. If Mary could find time to write her a letter, she is sure that it would be most welcome. Spiritual matters are discussed in detail.
Catherine hopes that Mary has received the elegy which was written by the editor who had stayed there for a short time, and had known the child very well. It is well done and very true to life.
Mary's parents are very mercifully dealt with by God, `being brought down to the grave by degrees in such an easy way, we seldom feel much pain, yet we feel weaker. Your father [William] still go from one child's house to another frequently, for he like to be moving, yet he has to ride, whenever he do walk he is very tired; he sleeps well and generally a good appetite. I fail in appetite but my green tea is as good as ever, and it seems to do me more good than all the meat thait I eat. When I move from one house to another, C.C. Shaw comes and takes me along. I can walk but porely from weakness in my back, just from the house to the omnibuss or cars and thats all my walking from Monday morning to Saturday noon. I generally got knitting in my hand, though I may not do much of it. I read etc just as I feel to do. Sabaths are profitable days though I cannot go to a place of publik worship.
My dear husband often come and spend the day with me, and so we enjoy our sabbaths together and feel we are not forsaken'.
Just before James arrived in the house, Catherine finished knitting a shawl for herself to wear under her cloak. It is the first that she has ever knit. She might knit one better, but shall send this to Mary as a token of `remembrance'.
On the reverse of the above is a letter from William O'Bryan in New York, United States, to [his daughter Mary Thorne]. He came here this morning to accompany James [Thorne - Mary's son] to his ship, but they discovered that the sailing has been put back by a day or two or perhaps longer. Little reliance is to be put on sailing vessels.
Mary's mother had a letter ready for despatch, but had not yet sealed it and so gave him permission to add a few lines. He also hastily wrote her a few lines yesterday while with James and his guide. `Our other dear children are more ?engaged than C. S. & she is (I think James will not swear to the contrary) a first rate traveller'.
He trusts that James will let O'Bryan know how Thomasina and the rest of the family in England are. He excuses Mary's silence on account of the many trials which she has recently suffered. Dear Susanna `favoured me with a few acceptable lines once, - I think William might write one in 7 or 10 years'.
Mary's letter which was sent to Canada, was apparently lost by Ebenezer, and the last which O'Bryan sent to James was lost he says by Mary, and it was a long one too. Mary has a daily place in his prayers and meditations. Spiritual matters are discussed.
`James, if he arrives can tell you all about his brothers and sisters prospects. If I can form a guess, I think Mary will return to you or come to [New York] for a while'.