Independence, Mo
July 14, 1887
My dearest Nan,--
It is with a heavy heart I write to you this time, the dark angel of death has visited our family again and carried away the dearest and best, our dear father died on the third of this month with dysentery. He was sick only four days and oh, Nan! I can not realize that he has indeed left us it seems as though it must be some terrible dream, oh how I wish that it were and that I could awaken and find I had only been asleep, to think I have no father or mother either is almost more than I can stand at times you know how I miss them and Nan, thank God hourly that he has spared your parents. I know that is very wrong to feel as I do at times and wish for them as I do, for they are indeed happy I know that their sorrows and trials are over, if I had only been good enough I think it would have been a blessing if I had died too for I don't think I am of one particle of use and when I try to do right that is the very time I do something wrong until I feel like giving up and stop trying. Pa was buried on the fourth and I didn't even get to see him after he was laid out or attended the funeral on account of being sick my-self, it was caused by nervousness and mental anxiety I am well now. There is so much sickness and so many deaths, I suppose it is the warm weather that causes it. Well Nan, I cannot write any more this time but just please write to me right away. Give my love to Miss Lida and much very much for your-self.
Lovingly yours,
Mattie
Box 336 Independence Mo.