This letter was sent from John and Mary Rounsefell in Wolfville, Nova Scotia to their son, David Henry, and his wife, Anna, shortly after their child died. Henry, as he was better known, and his family were living in Boston, Massachusetts at the time. Grace was 3 1/2 years old. Her younger brother - the baby mentioned in the letter - died a year later.

Wolfville, April 20th, 1880

Dear Henry

     Your letter informing us of the death of dear little Gracie has been receiv'd - we are sorry to see that you are passing through such afflictions and troubles - There is one consolation to bereaved parents in the words of Jesus - "Suffer little children to come unto Me for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven" - so in your deep sorrow you have the comfort to believe that your dear little pet is in a brighter Home where no sin or sorrow will trouble her forever - But as you say it is sad to lay the dear one in the dark tomb - and we would be unnatural parents if we did (not) feel deeply - but we must look beyond the tomb and think of the happiness of such as die in the Lord - and as Jesus Blessed little children when he was in this world they are the lambs of his fold. Your letter which inform'd us of the sickness of the child and Mrs. Preston came to hand the day I mail'd a letter to you. -I see Mrs. Preston is better - we would not have been surprised to have heard of her death - and I think she would willingly depart to be with her Savior & Lord but it is all in God's hand to give life or to take it away - I hope and pray that God will overrule your trials for your spiritual good. (one of your dear ones is in heaven) so live that you may meet her there.. it is only the casket lay'd in the tomb..I do not wonder you are at a loss what to do with the body - as I suppose it is expensive to buy a burying place & things are uncertain with you. We are glad to hear that Susie was so kind and assisted you in your trouble - she is a very kind person I shall always respect her..and it was a great blessing she was so near you - we all have trouble of some kind and it is well to have a friend to help us when we are in trouble - William's troubles have drove him away to Denver - and he met with a friend in Fred Cummings - who employ'd him and took him to board with him - so he feels like home (or more so than amongst strangers) Cassie has a little boy born the 4th - George & Annie have been called to part with their little pet Mary - she was the pet of all the family and is greatly miss'd - several families here have been made sorrowful - widows and fatherless children are call'd to mourn - I think I informed you of several that have died lately - Elijah Porter died last week - we are thankful that God has preserved us to keep each other company and we are as well as usual - the weather of late has been so cold and stormy that we have kept indoors - your mother could not go to little Mary's funeral it was so stormy. I went in the sleigh with Jas. & Hattie - all our family sympathise with you in your sorrow - Mr. Cox was here this morning he said he heard of little Gracie's death - I read your letter to him - he said he was very fond of the dear child & all the children - give our kind respects and love to Susie and her husband - we cannot be much longer in this world and it is our constant care to obtain a preparation for Heaven by looking to Jesus who is able and willing to save to the uttermost all that trust in Him. We do not expect to see many of our children again. We pray that we may all meet in Heaven - we do not wonder that Annie is almost worn out - we hope she will not be sick but have the strength given her to bare [sic] up - we hope to hear that baby is recover'd - Kiss him for GranMa and GranPa - Fred Cummings lost 2 children all they had one little girl was drown'd 2 year ago last month - the little boy died last December of diphtheria - so they wished Wm to board with them for company they were so sad. Sam'l Bordens Store was burn'd in March - B Witter has bought H B Witters Store - Major Thomson or his Wife has open'd dry goods store in Heeps Store that you occupied - I hear that all our children are well except Mary who does not enjoy good health - our love to Mrs Preston - Annie must consider this written to her as well as yourself. We have a burial place in Lower Horton if you think best to send Grace's body here.. (our love to Harry & Tinie & Freddy.

We remain your Afft. Parents

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