1862 February 21 Lower Bremo [Fluvanna County, Va.]

Low Bremo Feby. 21. 1862

My dear Arthur

Yours of yesterday 4 ock A.M. with its me-
-lancholy announcement, did not reach me until this morning-
But if I had got it immediately after the arrival of the mail
the state of the Roads, and the infirmities of my old age forbid
my undertaking the journey to Warminster at a time when I could
not avail myself of the packet conveyance to be in time--to mingle
my tears with all the dear ones over the mortal remains of
my beloved daughter--Peace be to her ashes--Our spirits can-
not be separated but for a brief space--
In a late season of self examination I thought with myself I
should be willing to give my mortal life for the restoration of peace
and the acknowledgment of the Independence of our Southern Confederacy
and from the intelligence received today, thro' our friend Dr. Holeman just from
Richmond from a reliable source, that peace may be expected in ninety
--days if not sooner--I trust I may be soon enabled to say: Now,
Lord, lettest Thou, thy Servant in peace.

One of Charles' servants with a letter from him got here yesterday.
He went down to Hanover day before yesterday to join his wife. I look for
him here very shortly--
The President, it is reported, has intimated he has consoling informat8ion for the
public to be communicated in his inaugural address Tomorrow--

[page 2]
I am sorry to say--our friend Mrs. S[kipwith]. is no better--She has visibly
declined since she has been here--and said to me today--
She was
getting thinner & weaker every day--and yet Mr. S. is talking of taking her
down to Richmond the post packet of next week--I shall endeavour to
persuade him to put it off at least until the weather becomes more
settled--
You will doubtless hear from your Brother of your affairs at
home--my love & heartfelt sympathies are with you all--
Yours affectionately John H. Cocke

P. S[hole in paper] one of the most valuable of the young men, Calet,
died yesterday [hole in paper] at Up[per] Bremo of pneumonia

Letter regarding the death of his daughter Anne Blaws Cocke Cabell, less than two months after the death of his son General Philip St. George Cocke.

Dr. Arthur Lee Brent--Warminster
Willow Bank p off
Nelson County Va.

MSS 640