Elizabeth Wylie McCalla, Bloomington, IN to Andrew and Carry Wylie

              Bloomington, May 9th 1859, Dear Andrew & Carry, Of course I can say nothing to lessen your grief for dear little Andrew's loss, nor will I attempt it; but desire to express our sympathy & to say we also feel bereaved in his death. We were all proud of him & referred to him as a model for children to imitate; can truly say we never saw, or knew his equal in good qualities, talent, etc. Everyone here, who saw him spoke with admiration of the child. It often brings tears to our eyes when we think of the severity of the stroke you are called upon to endure. We are so glad you brought him to see us. The dear pleasant child left naught but sweet memories of himself; as oft as we think of him with pleasure we dwell on his remembrance. Poor Irene who has felt so severely the loss of her two interesting children, when speaking of Andrew's loss in her last letter, says nothing tends to lift the thoughts, desires, & affections, & efforts Heavenward so much as the loss of children, dear lovely children. We have all been called upon to endure so many afflictions the last few years & Mother's loss so recently that we indeed in an especial manner ought to lay these things to heart. This life, & the things of it, are so fleeting, uncertain, & unsatisfying, that I for one, can truly say I seem to hold them by a thread, a breath. We feel poor mother's loss so much. She was so much younger in appearance