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sh\ould have great pleasure in doing so. But I hardly dare flatter my-
self, even with the thought of this: What may betide me I know not,
but I hope I shall be in the hands and under the protection of God.
I sometimes imagine that I shall never again see you on earth, so
transient and uncertain is human life. But my dear Mother let us live far
heaven, and then we shall have an endless union. ~ continue to pray for
you all. You cannot think how much I am concerned that my brothers
and sisters should be virtuous, holy and happy. I want us all to meet
above. Give my love to all my relatives and friends as if named. And
let me hear from you as often as convenient.
    I am most affectionately yours,
                           Matthew Dinsdale
[P.S.]   I have seen ~tof the Mississippi; there are several islands
and much timber near the River so that I have not been able to see the
main stream. I intend to tell you something about this wonderful river
at another time. Grant River runs between Potosi and the Mississippi,
and I have not been over the Grant yet.