To Mrs. Mary Berry

My dearest sister         Pittsburgh         March 26, 1821

I am quite ashamed when I think the length of time has passed since I wrote you. Be assured, my dear sister, this long silence has not been the effect of forgetfulness. Indeed, I have resolved and resolved time after time to write you, but my aversion to writing is so great that I cannot conquer it. I know that I have been very remiss, and you might with propriety impeach me with that abhorred thing called ingratitude. But remember, sister Charity is at grace that hideth many faults, and Charity, I know, has a place in your bosom. Let it then be extended towards one who however appearances may be against it will always love you and one who, whilst memory is dear to her, will never forget your kindness. I often look back on the time that I spent with you and remember all your kindness and  attention with the most grateful emotions of tenderness. It gave me pleasure to hear that you and your little ones were well. When I heard that your father was coming out to Pittsburgh I had a sort of hope that you would come  with him, but he told that you could not leave the children. I hope that after you have weaned Margaret you will come out to P- - -. Your friends would all be glad, very glad to see you. I think it would be an advantage to your health, besides it will relieve you from nursing awhile. Your brother C. talks of going to the furnace this spring some time, and I have ta1ked of going with him. I don’t know now how it will turn out. George’s grand Pa says that he is  great chatterbox. Dear little fellow, how I long to see him, But indeed I feel right jealous for poor little Margaret. She appears to be left quite out of the account among you, and this I will not allow. I do insist upon it that little Marg- be loved as well as George, but I expect that you love them both. Try, sister, if you love them to bring them up in the fear of the Lord. They are plants of immortal growth entrusted to your care, and before that God who has entrusted them to your care you will have to give an account of your stewardship. Pray that you may be enabled to discharge the duty which by the loss of Father doubly divolves on you so as to meet the approbation of their and your Heavenly Father. You will need much grace to enable you to do this. Kiss the children for me and tell them their Aunt Rachel loves them very much -- don’t let Caleb go down the River to that wicked place if you can help it.  Anna has never written to me since last April. I do feel myself very much neglected and hurt. I hope you will not forget to write to me -- farewell, dear sifs,

Rachel.

To Mrs. Mary Berry
Huntinqdon Furnace
Huntinqdon County, Pennsyla,

Earleysburg, C.D., Pa         29th August, 1821

For some time it has been my intention to addrefs my dear friend, though I confefs I have nothing interefstincg or  pleafsing to offer you though I feel a desire to hold a correspondence should it be agreeable to you, my dear friend. I am very anxious to hear from you all. I wish you to inform me where Anna is or if William is yet returned home. Dear Mary, I wish you to ask William to let Benjamin come down and go to school. We have a first rate teacher in sight of the door. I feel lonesome and B. would be great company for me. Please to write to me by next mail. Let me know all the particulars respecting Rachel and Anna, likewise tell me how dear little George and Margaret is. Anna has been unkind. She promised to write me immediately after her arrival in Pittsburgh which she has neglected to do. Remember me affectionately to your father and mother and family and tell your two sisters and Caleb I will be much pleased to have the pleasure of seeing them in our place soon. The roads are at present good and the season pleasant. I think you might come down to spend a few weeks with us, yourself and dear little ones. No more at
present, but remains your affectionate At., 

Elenor Longwill

To Mrs. Mairy Berry
Huntingdon Furnace
Huntingdon County, Pennsyla.

Mrs. Mairy Berry         Pittsburgh         August 26, 1822

Madam:

The present opportunity induces me to inform you that we all wish to see you here once more. Dolly thinks that you
could come out either with Mr. Anderson, when they move to Steubenville, or with William Berry when he comes out, as he is coming in the stage, and to bring the little girl along. Your father-in-law, Mr. Berry, the Bearer hereof, has been here some time, but unwell, has been but once at our houses. We are all well. In haste,

Yours
M. Rahm

P. S. Our children are at school, but don’t make much progress at learning. Christ can go down with you when you get tyred staying here.

To Mrs. Mary Berry
Huntingdon Furnace
Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania

My dear Sister         Pittsburgh         March 29, (no year given)

I received your favor by Brother William and was truly glad to hear that little George was getting well. Poor little
fellow, I felt very much concerned about him. Kiss the little dear for me and tell him his Aunty to make some atonement for past neglect has sent him two knives. I hope you will be pleased with your dress. It was dear, but they say it wears better than anything else. It cost $10.00. Kiss little M--- for me. I have sent her and G-- some raisins etc. We are all upsidedown preparinq to move so you must excuse this scrawl. I will write you a long letter as soon as we get moved and then I will answer all your questions. Give my love to all the family, and now my dear Sister, may God forever bless you and yours is the prayer of your sister,

Rachel

To Mrs. Mary Berry
Colerain Forge,
Huntingdon County, Pennsyla.

My dear sister         Pittshurgh         June 30, 1823

When Kitty’s letter to Anna came to hand I was in the country and did not return for some time after. The mornful intelligence which it conveyed has filled our minds with sorrow, and not ours only, but all your friends in this place. And is our dear, little, prattling Margaret gone? Oh, my beloved sister, I feel I know that this is to you a great affliction, but whilst you morn over this afflictive dispensation of Providence, recollect the Hand that has snatched your darling from you. He to whom the earth belongs lent you that treasure a little while, and he has taken it away. I know the human heart too well to say to my Sister, “Don’t weep”, but I would say in the language of the apostle, “Do not mourn as those who have no hope.” She has gone to add one more in number to those whose angels behold the face of their Father in Glory. I have no doubt but after time has healed the wound that grief for her loss has made in your bosom you will view as subject of thankfulness rather than of sorrow. You have the satisfaction of knowing that the Lord has made you the honored instrument of bearing one who is now a saint in Heaven. You have one left. Oh, be careful to bring him up in the fear of the Lord. I have no doubt but when struggling with the unavoidable perplexities and difficulties of life perhaps many cares and anxieties about the future good conduct and welfare of your remaining child, if it shall please Heaven to spare him with pleasing satisfaction you can raise your eyes to Heaven and say, “I have one safe in Abrham’s bosom.” Oh the soul-cheering thought gone to Heaven, before she had tasted the bitter cup of sorrow or could feel the ills of life. What sorrows and pains await us that are left we know not, but from past experience we have found that this world is a wilderness of woe, its prospects dilusive, its joys unsatisfying. To be Prepared to exchange it for one into which sorrow can never enter ought to be our chief business here, but this we too much neglect. Oh that we may all be prepared to meet our friends that are gone before us. Mrs. Rham and Anna desire their love to you. All Mrs. R's famiiy is well. Your brother C. intends going down soon, I think it probable I shall soon see you, In that expectation I will now bid you farewel, and much
love to yourself and all the family. I am, your affectionate sister,

Rachel