TNGenWeb Project/TNGenNet, Inc., (a Tennessee nonprofit public benefit corporation). "The Howard-Smith Collection" Transcription copyright: 1998, by Mrs. F. A. Augsbury; all rights reserved. The originals are at the McClung Library in Knoxville. This file is in text format. Please use your browser's "back" button to return to the previous page. ******************************************************************************* To: Lida McKinney, Rogersville, East Tennessee From: Eleanor Howard-Smith, 49 New St., Newark, N. J. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 49 New St, Newark N.J. Jan 5th 1880 My dear Lida, "At your leisure" was really meant & your graceful little apology as to the detaining of my dear Brother's letters was not needed. It is so little I can do to minister to your pleasure in any way that I am very glad of the smallest opportunity. The weeks before Christmas are so brim full of thought & work that something may well be pushed aside & in this case, nobody was troubled. I am so glad to know of your restored health this winter. What a sacred trust it is among the many talents lent to us! Your dear Mother still has her severe attacks that Sperry has told me of, & that I truly grieve over with a more earnest sympathy than I ever have expressed or know how to. No human love can bring adequate support under such suffering-but I know the Lord Jesus can.-One of our dear Cousins has passed through twenty-five years of keen anguish from an affection of the heart--& the joy & peace that were given her through it all was the sure proof of her Saviour's presence with her all the way. She seemed to rest within those everlasting arms like a tired child on its mother's bosom. Your picture of your long evenings "around the fire on the hearth" is very charming. How we used to enjoy such gatherings in Knoxville with all our dear children & their friends. I have to own that this past Christmas had its touch of sadness. There was "a minor in the carol" but the blessed Lord knows best how much of joy we can hear safely. His will, not mine. Rich & sweet are our mercies so undeserved.-Surely not the least of His indulgences are letters. How they bridge the fearful distances! Did you ever think what a wonderful fortress of God-given peace that one must occupy of whom it can be said, "He shall not be afraid of evil tidings, his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord." Thanks for your kind enquiries after my brother. His latest letter, received Dec 17th spoke of their expectation of attack on Lima-so soon as the Chilians should feel able to advance. It was a strange position that he held-being Secretary & Interpreter to the Peace Conference--& so brought into close and courteous interviews with the authorities from Chili, among whom he had lived on most friendly terms for years,--& yet having bitter enmity in their hearts to the country & the people among whom his lot now lies. When my sister has seen the letter I want to send it to you. She has been long expected but has not yet come to make the promised visit. We had a long warm Christmas letter from dear Sperry. He rather discourages our eager anticipation of an early visit.-We are so thankful for the hope & for his brightening prospects that we may well be patient. And now, dear Lida, wishing & praying for you & yours that this may be the best of all New Years to you & them,--with much love your attached Eleanor Howard-Smith Theodore is waiting for a half hour to pour out his earnest thanks to you.