New York city Nov. 8th 1863

New York city Nov. 8th 1863

My dear AuntIt is with the greatest pleasure that I take my pen in hand to write you a few lines to inform you that my health is good and I sincerely hope that this short letter may find you and your dear family enjoying good health. your kind and ever welcome letter of the 2nd of November came to hand on the 5th and I was very glad to hear that you was all well for it had been a long time since I had recieved any letters from you but I knew that my letters must have miscarried or else you would have written to me oftener but I never thought for an instant that you was neglecting to write to me for I know your love for me too well dearest Aunt to suppose that you was forgetting to write to me. I am still at this hospital as you will see by the date of my letter but I cant say how long I will remain for I am liable to be sent away at any time but wherever I go I will ever remember you dear Aunt and write to you whenever I can. You say that I have lost a worthy sister and true friend by the death of my sister Louisa for my part I can say that I feel that I have met with an irreparable loss by her death but I am comforted by knowing that she died the death of the Righteous and henceforth there is laid up for her a crown of glory which Christ the righteous judge has given her forever and forever. I know that Father and Mother took it very hard although they never complained or grieved to me in any of their letters. Jasper and William sent me their likenesses last week and I am as proud of them as I can be for they look just like them and I suppose you will think I am rather a partial judge but still I cant help giving in my decision concerning them and that is that they are the prettiest pictures that I ever seen. The weather is getting very cold and every thing begins to look lone and desolate like winter. give my love to Uncle George and the children and accept my love and best wishes for yourself tell William that he must not forget to write to me I knew that Father was sick shortly after he was attacked with the eresypelas (probably meaning erysipelas) and oh how I wished to go home and see him and comfort him during his illness for he has proved the kindest and best of Fathers to me and oh I feel that I owe him everthing that a child can owe a kind and affectionate Parent. I believe I have nothing more to write about at present and therefore I will bring my letter to an end for this time but I will ever remain your effectionate nephewDavid Closeto his Dear Aunt Rachel Dunbar