I am sitting in the kitchin, and have just been in to give her a little wine, she was sleeping pretty well and I did not waken her.  We have very little ground for hope of her recovery.  She has you as know worked very hard, and is quite old, and it seems that she has no vitality to resist the great debility.  Empson Bird brought Mary Jane up last evening in a buggy.  We will probably remain today, but Austin thinks he will be obliged to go home Sunday.  Although Mother's physical strength seems exhausted, her mind is as bright as ever, and she talk of death very calmly.  She says she know in whom she has put her trust, and for us not to fear for her, as she can look death calmly in the face.  She says that God has given her a long life, and spared her to her family a long time; and that she feel a comfort in having such good children.  She speaks of her dear boy in the Army and of Cyrus.  And seems to have a great desire to see you.  I received a letter from you on Thursday last, written the 11th.  O! I do feel so disappointed that you are not likely to come home soon.  Mrs. Dean had recd one from Milt written the 15th he wrote that you were coming this way, and he thought would be mustered out - and be at home in two weeks.  But I think you would have better opportunity to know than he.  I do hope he may be right, and his was written 4 days later than yours which might make some difference.  But by what I can learn from that department it is the intention to take those troops to Texas; if they are need.  Kirby Smiths Army is variously reported to number from 50 to 80,000 thousand.  I feel very badly to have you go into another campaign, now that your time is so near out, but I pray the God of battles to be with you as he ever has been.  I will not give up my school till I know you are coming. I will write you every day while I stay, and as often as I hear after I go home.  I must go to mother now; Emma sat up the fore part of the night.  All the rest are worn out and asleep now.  Ever your own Mary.
