Ann Abbot letter draft, June 6, 1842 (Note: the pages are damaged, so much text is missing):
Page 1:
Dear brother, many years has past away since I have wrote to
you or you to me. I had seldom write to any of you. I am about out
of the way of writing, when I sit down to write to my brother
I am at a stand where to write, because they do not profess
the same religion, therefore I cannot write that, that
would be so interesting, altho there is but one true Religion
there is a wide difference in our minds. I am [illegible] you may
know the difference if you will take the trouble to go to these
the Mormon Preachers, I consider it one of the greatest
blessings that the Lord ever bestowed upon me that I had
the privilege of embracing the true and everlasting gospel [illegible]
the [illegible] doctrine, which is Eleven years last May
since my [illegible] self were baptised into the Mormon
Church, the same year & month we left my school set?
came to Kirtland? Ohio stopt with Brother Thomas
until Sept the 1 then started for Missouri stopt there
one year, was there driven by a Ruthless mob to Clay
County from there to Caldwell County from there to
Illinois so we have been driven and driven and blood spilt
all this done unto us because of our faith in our Saviour
and still our faith is not lessend. Neither do we see
that we have passed through all yet, we have got to be
tried and proved in all things so that we may stand or fall
many have fell out by the way side all ready Brother
Thomas for one, and his family they live in Missouri
but where I cannot tell you, I have [illegible] but
cannot get an answer. I understand that [illegible]
branch of the Church in [illegible] of the [illegible] of
Mormons, if so you can [illegible] yourself [illegible]
brother Monson that [illegible] go? to
of Nauvoo, Illinois, or [illegible] a [illegible]
a moment and then [illegible] it is [illegible]
that I should not know [illegible]
I do not giving meeting [text missing due to damage]
Page 2:
a Mormon brother, a particular friend of ours by the name
of Eri Willems called at one of your neighbors last fale
saw one of your Sons, this is the way I found out where to write
I have had a letter from Jemes B Emerson last April
they thought something of coming to this County this spring
I think they will not come for they are full of Millenarian
they are preparing to see world come to an end 1853, poor
Children will find themselves mistaken.
they will have to live many years yes many years. [illegible]
[illegible] by Brother Thomas as long ago as when he was at
House you had buried your wife, and I have never heard
of your mourning again. I want to hear from you & your
[illegible] and your Children has [damage]
I have three Children buried too [text missing due to damage]
Abigail Thomas Joseph, the two I buried was
Ammon Eliza[?]m.
Page 3:
my Childhood as it were and see how I was
taught of men, and how my eyes were
brought to wonder although I know it was
[illegible] of the Lord that I ever had the privilige
of the oportunity, even present foster I thought
the Gospel but I know now he knew nothing about
it all. you may say how do you know? I know because
[illegible] Spiritualised the Scriptures like
other sects and denominations. Mr Foster would tell
you the same if he could come and tell you, he would tell
you he never knew what the true Gospel was when
I saw him. I will leave this subject because I know you can
have the privilige of hearing for yourself and to your satisfaction
before I will commence in inquiring after your welfare
and your Children which I gratefully desire to hear how where
you are and how you are situated and whether you are all
a living. I have thought it was not hardly possible for them
would to be a living I want to hear from your parents on both
sides and brother and sister and many other acquaintances tell
me where is she that was Sarah G Priest Sophia Nane?
Maid Sarah’s Mother and &c &c.
Page 4:
Dear friends after a long absence from
I take my pen to write to once belowe
you I have not forgotten them no i
my memory and often wish I could see them all e[?]
that brought me up, from my Childhood. I have
changes [sic] since that time especially sence I left Massch[?]
but not for the w[?]se but all for the better. I can tell you my
that I have passed through which has been for my best good
have been most we have been driven [illegible] from State to
State, we have been very sick from time to time, burned two [illegible]
with many other afflictions which I cannot name[?] all ha[ve]
been for our good, never have I seen a moment that I wish
myself back to my native land, no. but be assured my
friends I wish you was here where you could enjoy the light of the
gospel as well as I, and enjoy each other siety. I never have
heard of a Mormon going to Littleton to tell you the glad tidings
but they have been pretty much around you in the neighbouring
towns no doubt you have taken the pains to go to here them
preach or will have the privileg of hearing them in your
own towns sooner or later, and I hope you will not reject them
for your own sole salvation. They preach the gospel of Jesus
Christ no one else.
[lower portion of page 4 is written upside down on the verso; much of it is
damaged]
[illegible] Mormon brother a particular friend of ours by the name
of Eri Willis called at one of your neighbors last fale
saw one of your Sons, this is the way I found out where to write
I have had a letter from Jemes B Emerson last April
they thought something of coming to this Country this spring
I think they will not come for they are full of Millenarian
they are preparing to see world come to an end 1853, poor
Children will find themselves mistaken.
they will have to live many years yes many years. [illegible]
I wanted by Brother Thomas as long ago as when he was at
House you had buried your wife, and I have never heard
of your mourning again. I want to hear from you & your
[illegible] and your Children has [damage]
I have three Children buried too [text missing due to damage]
Abigail Thomas Joseph, the two I buried was
Ammon Eliza[?]m.
