At the Ferry, March 31st 1840
Dear Brother, this will inform you that I was sent for this morning in haste to see father. I am now with him, and though he does not appear so languid and feeble as he did in the early part of the day; yet I have no idea that he can survive more than three or four days—if you wish to see him I think you had better come up pretty soon. He wishes to see you and all the rest. He appears to be very sensible of his condition, has been telling me this evening how he wishes his business arranged &c &c.
If you are [or] any person going direct to Greensburgh please write to Hart and Sarah, as we have no chance of sending them word. In all matters of sickness we may be deceived and in this the mercy of God may be interposed to his recovery; but to all human appearance, I think our father will soon be no more. Mother Magee is also very ill and Polly has to be with her a great deal. My own health is very bad, and this makes our situation rather perplexing, duties calling us to different scenes of distress.
Mother is also in bad health. If your business is so that you can come up come to stay until an alteration either for the better or worse.
My pen and light are both bad. I will therefore close. My love to sister Emily & little Thomas.
Yours affectionately,
S. Ellis
From S. Ellis, at the Ferry
To His Brother
