Thomas, Benjamin Burke - Letter to Philip B. Thomas - 1872 11 24

Dear Son and Daughter and Grandchildren and all;

I now take the opportunity of writing to you these few lines, hoping they will arrive safe to your hands and find you in health better than it leaves me and better than I expect it will find you.  I received your kind and wishes for a letter although not at home at the time it came but the old woman would not let anyone see it until I came home.  I was very much troubled to hear of the accident you had, but I hope with the blessings of God that you are all right now.  Mind and be careful in handling the gun and when you draw out a load by hand take off the cap and lower the hammer down on the nipple before you begin and then you will be out of danger.

I suppose you have seen some wonders since you left England.  The wild forests, the rocks, the high mountains, the plains and beauties were all great wonders to you.  When you write me again tell me of more wonders you have seen and tell me if you have seen any wonders in your settlement.  If it is more perfect in serving the Lord than it is here, and how you spend the Sabbath.  How do you live?  Is it in lodgings?  Do you work day work or do you have a house and land of your own to work on.  I mean rented land.  I should like very much to see the promised land but I never shall as I am too feeble to undertake such a journey alone.  So I shall not obtain the blessings with which Jacob blessed his grandson Ephraim with the utmost bound of the Everlasting Hills.  I hope you will not forget me in your public or private devotions and may the Lord bless you all and strengthen you in grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.

I was a month the other day at Yislalofere and I see a man that knew you and one of the brethren.  His name is Lewis Leaves and sends his kind love to you.  Please to write soon as you can and let me know all the particulars for I am writing very ignorant, don't know what stamps to put on my letter that will find you but I hope I shall not miss this time.

Benjamin Thomas