Letter, Alex W. Feemster to Loulie Feemster; 1/31/1864

              Selma Ala. Jan. 31st 1864.
       My own Loulie;
                       Your favor of the 25th reached me on the 28th. You say "Mattie is still very unwell." I had not heard of her being unwell since the week after I left you. Hope she is well before this time. You seem so gloomy, I fear you are not well, or that you are working too hard. Try and keep yourself as cheerful as possible. Take a little outdoor exercise when the weather is suitable. This may help to keep up your spirits. But I think the only sure remedy for all the ills and troubles of this sorrowful life is to be found in the consolations of the Christian religion. My soul still clings to that promise in Rom. 8:25th as its sheet anchor; "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." I heard bro. Chadick preach today, and to my delight, he took that very text. He was passing [tear] Richmond, and as he got here yesterday, he remained till this evening and preached for us today. His sermon embraced a complete outline of the tragedy of our church, and was an excellent discourse; though not near equal to his best efforts. I went this morning at ten oclock with bro. Ransom to attend the funeral service of Wm Lunceford's wife. She died yesterday about noon of fever of some kind. I had not heard that she was sick till Mr Howell came to my room this morning on hunt of Mr Ransom to attend the funeral. There was a short service at the house and then we returned to be at church. The burial would be more than two miles from here, and plenty going, and I did not wish to miss hearing bro Chadick. Billie takes her death very hard. His child is lying dangerously sick, and does not know that its mother is dead. I felt when standing in that chamber of death, that my affliction was not near equal to his. My angel boy was taken from me, but the dear partner of my bosom, the sharer of all my joys and sorrows was spared; and though now separated far apart, yet I cherish the hope of being permitted, in this life, to

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The express expense on the thread was two dollars. It did not amount to much, but you should not have had to pay anything. Did you?