Document 9C: Emily Edmondson to Mr. and Mrs. Cowles, 3 June 1853, Henry Cowles Papers, Box #3, Series: Correspondence, Personal; Folders: Aug-Dec 1852 and Jan-July 1853; Record Group 30/27, Oberlin College Archives.
Washington Jun 3, 1853
To) Mr. & Mrs. Cowles
My dear friends
Though I am in Washington with all my dear friends, my heart still lingers around Oberlin, for I have left there beneath the green Turf, one that I loved as I did myself, but we are far separated now, for she is in Glory, and I am now in a land of Chains & Slavery. For where ever you see the mark of Slavery, for you well know that the South is blighted with it, and will be as long as it insist. We arrived home safe and found all of our dear friends well, but with sad faces, for they too felt the loss of a dear daughter and Sister, one that they had long loved and hoped to see again, in this world, but He that is mightier than all, and that doth all things well, has taken her to himself in Glory. Some days it seems as though I could not live without her, but when I think how happy she is in heaven, I feel like wiping away all my tears and get redy to meet her in Glory, "where we shall never part again."[A] Your kindness to us while in your family, I can never forget, nor do I wish to forget it, nor the kindness of others while ther.
My dear Mother feels rejoiced to know that Mary was with one that knew a Mothers feelings, for non but a mother could feel as you felt for Mary. Though she is gone from me, it seems as though, I could see her all the time, in my dreams, and when I am awake, and hear her gentle voice speaking to me. The only regret of our friends, here, is that we did not come home, when Mary wanted to come, early in the Spring, and I myself feel the same, for they all wanted to see her so much here, but the Lord orders all things for the best, we know that by experience. Mother was in the city when we arived at home, and after the excitement of meeting was over, I read your kind letter to my mother, and she was very much oblige to you for your sympathy, for it helped cheer her sad hart very much. Dear Mr. & Mrs. Cowles have you heard any thing yet from our dear brother, or about him, from any of the friends in New York az we all feel very anxious to hear, what can be done for him, in the way of freedom. When I left Oberlin that day, I forgot to get Mrs. Stowe's Post Office address, so I cannot write to her until I hear from you, and I am very anxious to writ to her, for I have many things to tell her about the South.
The reason why I have not written to you, before this time, is this, I have been almost sick ever since I have been at home, and I do not feel much better now, but still I must writ some to my friends.
Father Mother and all the rest of our family wishes to be remembered very kindly to you both, and to the rest of the friends there in Oberlin, and I myself wish the same. I have not had the pleasure of seeing the Rev. Mr. George Clark[B], yet, but if he remains here long I shall see him. Our friends thinks of having Mary's funeral. Sarmond preached here also, and they would like very much to have Mr. G. Clark preach it, if he is in the city.
I have written you both a long, but not very interesting letter, for I never could as you very well know by this time. Please writ very soon, From your very grateful friend.
Emily B. Edmondson
A. These words appear in the hymn S.M. by John Wesley.
Back To TextB. George C. Clark studied first at the Lane Theological Seminary and then at Oberlin; he preached in Oberlin until following Asa Mahan to Cleveland.
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