(Letter by Uncle Edward Stevenson):

Duck River, Hickman Co. Tenn. June 14, 1878.

Dear Sister Mary:

Your favor of May 31 rec’d June 10th, 1878. Contents digested and hasten to reply. Shall not complain of my health, for it might be much worse. . . Well now, by the time this reaches you, expect that you will have a son not far behind it, for I think that he will not let many trains pass him on the way for he wants to see home about as much as anyone you ever saw. He is not very well, (Sick a little; homesick considerable. Many sick mucher) and has not been for quite a time. Soon after Hyrum came down, it went rather hard with him (I administered to him several times and comforted him and then myself). Hyrum has gained an experience that will do him more good than $1,00 dollars in cash would do him. He has been faithful and diligent and read and studied a great deal and he will talk in earnest to the young men and when once home will doubly appreciate what he has gained. One trouble with Hyrum: His ambition wanted him to get up and lay it down as one who had 40 years experience. As I say, Hyrum will realize more what he has gained after he has been home a short time. I would like to have taken him around to Cincinati and shown him something more than houses without windows. But there was no use talking, nothing would do now but a straight line 2000 miles long and I pray that the blessings of the Lord will accompany him home safely and find you all well. Hyrum is honorably released. I think he will not soon forget his Uncle Edward and his Tennessee mission.

Just as soon as Hyrum arrives, write without delay and I want him to write after he has been there a week. Farewell with kind love to all.

Your Bro. Edward Stevenson

There was more than one young woman would have liked to join the Church and then join Hyrum for life.

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