The greatest personal privation I have had to endure has been the want of either Patience or Phoebe – tell them I am never, if life is spared us, to be without both of them again.
– letter from Mary Jones to Elizabeth Maxwell
1.
It is a painful and harassing business Belonging to her. We have had trouble enough,
And they appear unhappy themselves, no doubt From the trouble they have occasioned. They could dispose of the whole family
Without consulting us – Father, Mother, Every good cook, washer, and seamstress Subject to sale. I believe Good shall be
Glad if we may have hope of the loss of trouble.
I remain in glad conscience, at peace with God And the world! I have prayed for those people
Many, many, very many times. 2.
Much as I should miss Mother, I have had trouble enough
And wish no more to be Only waiting to be sent Home in peace with God.