1862 January 4 Union Hill [Nelson County, Va.]

Genl John H Cocke

My dear Sir

I Have intended for several days past
to write you a few lines, but because I despaired of doing
it [?] of my inability to offer you any consola
tion under your late bereavment --I can only assure
you of my heartfel[t] sympathy & pray god to
strengthen your faith--in all the truths of his
gospel; the only true sourse of all permanent
comfort, under the many trials we are called
upon to endure under his allwise dispensations
It seems presumptuous in me, who is so weak
to say a word to one whose life & example
has been so prominent--in all that adorns the
doctrine of our Saviour--But my Christian
Sympathys & feelings--which have been unusually
excited must be my apology--and I pray
God that in this your hour of affliction an unusual
portion of his grace may be manifested to you
& those of your Household who has felt the power
of his rod[?]--Truly in the midst of life we are in
Death.--Your relative & the widow of Mr J. C. Cabell
was committed to the earth on Wednesday the 1st day
January--& almost every paper beings us
the tidings of the death of some friend or ac-
quaintance & the cloud now hanging over the
destiny of this once happy country--calls for
renewed zeal on the part of those, who have enrolled
themselves on the side of the Lord, that he will
have mercy upon us, & put it into our hearts
to do our whole duty to our God & our fellow
man Sincerely & truly Your Friend
Mayo Cabell


Mayo Cabell, 1800-1869

MSS 640