LETTER TO SAMUEL LINN
FROM
ANN BUFFINGTON
MAY 26, 1848

Dear Uncle & Aunt

      With feelings quite different from what they were the last time I attempted to write to you, I again commence this ­epistle to you, and would say that myself & companion with the balance of the family are all well.  Mary Ann & myself has just return from Freanch County on the evening of the ___.  We received a letter from John Kinzer giving us the sad account of Mothers illness.  We left the next morning, and arrived the morning following, but found we were too late.  Death hav dine a work ?, and the earth was closed over her.  Their side by side rest the _____ old pair, Peace to their ashes.
       For fear that nine (none) of the family has written to you, so far as I ___ the history of her affliction, I will try and give you the particulars.  On Friday the 2--___ immediately after dinner while setting in her chair, she had a stroke of the palsey, and so severe that she never spoke or swallowed afterwards – and lingered until one oclock on Tuesday morning May 11^th.
      They told me that her suffering was very severe but appeared to be perfectly sensible until the last.  She had been in better health and spirits for the last fiew (few) weeks than she had been for some time, But very anxious to be at home all the time fearfull that she might die a way from home.  The day before she had the stroke of the palsey she visited her son John who was very anxious she should stay all night with them her reply was that she did not wish to die a way from home, and could not think of staying with them.  I suppose John or Jasper will write and give you a more full act (account)  of her death than it is in my power to do.

           Write and let us know how you all are.

            Yours affectionally,

A.     Buffington

The envelope was addressed to :  Mr Samuel Linn
                                                   Hillsboraugh    (note difference in sp. between letters)
                                                   Ohio

Date of the letter was May 26, 1848 and mailed from Harrisburg, PA on May 27, 1848.

This letter was transcribed by Larry Kinzer on Feb. 6, 2007 in Bradenton, FL.  The copy of the original letter was acquired through the Lancaster County Historical Society.  The letter is part of the Samuel Slaymaker II, White Chimneys Collection, MG-268 Series 2, Box 7.