Author: Emilie E. Palmer

Date: 29 October 1859

Location: Emilie E. Palmer 1859 Diary, Record Group 19/2, Oberlin College Archives

Document Type: Autograph Document  

Introduction:

Here Palmer grieves as she learns of her friend’s death. She is particularly affected by his death, which she notes as premature, compared to deaths of her elders.

Transcription:

HeartacheDoc16Oct. 29th

God grant that there is not deeper sorrow in store for me. It seems that my poor heart could not endure more and yet I know that God can give me strength to bear whatever he may send upon me. I would not murmur. I know that my sorrow is not as deep as some have experienced. For a week past I have had a presentiment of coming evil.

Last night I went to the P.O. I expected a letter from Dan. I received one from Libbie. She writes that Dan is dead. He was shot in the back of the neck and the ball came out breaking his jaw. He lay upon the field 48 hours without care. Oh! my heart cease aching.

Transcribed by Natalia Shevin