letters of our beloved husband and father, who necessarily had to
remain, a greater part of the time, in St. Louis. I find, in looking
over your mother's package of letters from him, one dated "October 15th,
1842," at which time she was not quite ten years of age. After writing
the particulars of his journey, and expressing a desire that she and
her mother were with him "to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the
Mississippi," etc., he says: "I hope you have been a good girl, and
that 'mother' will be able to tell me how well you have behaved during
my absence, and what a comfort it is to have so dutiful a daughter, who
never has to be told a second time to go to her piano, or to learn her
Sabbath school lesson. I am satisfied if children knew how it gladdens
the hearts of parents, and how cheerfully they labor to educate good
children, that my little girl would give her whole energy to acquire
such a habit of obedience, and attention to her parents, as would make
her beloved by all who know her; and, more than all, would meet the
approbation of Him who has said, 'Suffer little children to come unto
me, and forbid them not, for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven.' But I
feel assured that the unwearied attentions of the best of mothers will
not be in vain; but that the blessed God will make them serve his own
wise purpose, and, 'father' prays, will eventually make her a bright
and shining light in this world, and place her in the world to come
among the redeemed of our Lord and Saviour JESUS CHRIST. I have been
reading to-day the Life of the Rev. Mr. Newton, who was a very wicked
man," etc., etc. "Mr. Newton was, like little Samuel, devoted to the
Lord, when a child, by his mother, who died, leaving him an orphan, at
three years of age. Yet, after many trials, He saves him from his sins
--and, might we not almost say, for his mother's sake? Surely for the
Saviour's sake.

"I have heard nothing from home since I left, and am extremely
anxious to hear from you all. Has dear 'mother's' health improved?
How is 'grandma,' and 'Cousin Eliza,' and little Joe and Ella, and
'aunt Loo,' and all our dear friends?" etc.

"Your affectionate father, JOS. CHARLESS."

Here is the first page of another letter, dated "New York, December 22,
1843."

"My Dear Daughter: Having finished my business arrangements for
the day, and having a spare moment, I thought I would occupy it by
writing to my dear child. Since I left home, I have b