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passing Dr Whitters called to him. all three went down, but it was to late. being of fat fire it burned like tar. Mr Berry told me to day, that he never saw any one so much affected as Col C? was. Mr B? had to hold him up, and sayed he cryed as if he would break his heart. and old Uncle Ben and Aunt Creasy cryed like children. he sayed it made his heart ake to look at them, it is all over and cant be helped. It realy seems as if we were doomed to disappointments and misfortunes. It realy seems as if we had incured the displeasure of God. and he is determined to show, with out his will nothing can prosper. I would telegraph up from Gainsville but not knowing whether Pa and ma have started or not I have concluded not to do so. I will say nothing in relation to the destruction of your beautiful dwelling, words can not express my sorrow. I will try and cast all in to forgetfulness. and try and [illeg] to disperse the dark and threatning cloud that seems to o're hang our fortune. all my labor last year proved fruitless, this year may be the same, but I will not look on the dark side of the book of fortune, but will buckle on my armor and battle my way through this broad Universe [illeg] and clear a way all imposing obstacles. and reach the land of happiness, and abundence, meeting all of my relations, and being one of the evening family circle enjoying the pleasure of each others presence, as in days of our child hood. All are well here, not a particle of sickness. You will be astonished ? when I tell you I ate ripe strawberries two weeks ago. young irish potatos radishes, lettuce, and will have peas in a week. I have all my potatos planted. corn planted and up beautifully, and will commence planting cotton to morrow if it does not rain.
I now hear distant thunder and the clouds are rising rapidly.