Elijah Lovejoy Papers Series 1 Letters

Illinois State Historical Library

Letter from Elijah Lovejoy to Elizabeth Lovejoy, February 14, 1834

Letter 3 of 11

Elijah Lovejoy Letters

Transcription

St. Louis February 14, 1834

My Dear Mother,

Your letter of the 8th of January came [ ]to[ ], and rejoice me in giving me to know that were well and that your confidence in God you[r] Savior was still undiminished. He is indeed a Rock and a Refuge to all that live therein with-in him. I rejoice to hear also that you have experienced the truth of the promise "My grace shall be sufficient for the;" and have been so well strengthened to bear up under the afflictions which a rituous [sic]God has seen fit to inflict. The family can surely sing of judgements [sic], but then they can sing of mercies also, great mercies. And I will not cease to hope and not only hope, but firmly believe also, that a covenant God has mercy yet in store for my two brothers Owen and John. In his own good time he will bestow it.

I do not know that we have anything new here of particular interest. We have had some cold weather but now it is Spring, as far as weather is concerned. My health has generally been excellent, since coming to the West. I am still living in the old bachelor style, and so our life to live, for that I see.

The papers have all been sent [to] you, but the mails are so unclearly out of order that nothing goes safe with them. So much for Jacksonism.

You will see a flier in the Observer signed "L" copied from a political paper of the city. I wrote it and put in the print, that it might have more effect. Now mark my words, the Abolishionists [sic] will trumpet that from Maine to Pennsylvania, and make a totally wrong use of it. They are the worst enemies the poor slaves have, and if anything could have hindered such an expression of public [ ] it would have been their conduct. But they are "wiser than seven men that can render a reason."

I have read two letters from E. At [ ] [ ] and I have just read one from S. At Baugor. Why she has not written before, she does not say. J. Does not write me at all, neither does O.

You say true that my hands are full, but it is also true that time is short, and that if we could do anything we must work. I have worked enough, I am [happily] situated, and I hope doing good. Love to all friends.

Your affectionate Son,

Elija P. Lovejoy

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