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English (ATL)

26th. December 1863.


My dear Son,

I wrote you a few lines on the 13th. inst. telling you how ill my poor dear Husband was at the time and how very little hope we had of his recovery - you will sympathize with me when I tell you that my fears have proved too true - he was removed from this world of trouble and sorrow on the 18th. Inst, his sufferings were dreadful, his complaint being inflamation of the kidnies and bladder - but no murmur escaped him. Dr. Rawson says that in all his practice he has never met with one who bore pain so patiently, I am thankful to say that notwithstanding his severe suffering for many days his last few hours ware quiet and free frompain, his end was peace, and his hope and trust in his Redeemer and Saviour unshaken - this consoling belief is sure, from the placid smile conspicuous on his dear features after its spirit had left its earthly covering - the happy reconciliation with Patricio gave him great satisfaction, the sight of his two grandchildren at his Bedside added not a little to his peace of mind. I need not tell you what a sad, sad blow the loss of such a Husband is to me - but I must remember from what hand it comes - and do my best to bow with humble submission to the divine will - knowing as I do that the same hand can bestow the healing balm. This blessing I have experienced in the highest degree - I am most wonderfully supported under all my trials, and have been so through life, but none so vividly as under this my greatest. It is quite impossible to describe to you the very great kindness that I have received from every body in New Plymouth from the first of my poor dear Peters illness, it has been such that it will tie me to the settlement for life. My dear Peter with his usual affection for me has left me everything during my life - then to go Patricio's children. Govett and Octavious Carrington are left as trustees. Wm. Halse to manage for me - the dear soul has left me in good hands. Of course nothing has been settled as yet - when it is so, I will let you know. My poor dear Peter had written to Sir George Grey accepting his invitation to spend a couple of months with him at Auckland and looked forward with great pleasure to the trip - how little did the dear soul know that the said letter was to be that last he would ever write. He was taken ill the day after it was posted, and in twelve days from that time, he was at rest from all his trouble and anxieties. A great many are trying for the situation. I hope and trust that Dr. Rawson will get it. I feel so grateful to him for his very great kindness and attention to my ever to be lamented Husband. If poor Peterhac been spared to go to Auckland he intended to have spoken a good word for Rawson, as he considered him eligible for the situation. He also intended to have seen about a retirement for himself. How all is changed - "Man proposes, but God disposes". I hope you will write to me soon - I feel that I need a consoling word from those I love - and from none will it be more so than from you. The dear departed one loved and respected you as one of his own. I have written to good Sir George and I know that he will sincerely sympathize with me, for I know that he was very partial to my poor dear Peter. Excuse my writing more and ever believe in the affections of your sincerely attached Mother


H.A. Wilson.
Do write me. soon/