Josephine Park Cranston writes to her niece, “Josie” (Doc’s elder sister who is 20 years old) about the declining health of Uncle Stephen who is the son of John Cranston who emigrated to Ohio from Rhode Island in 1815.  Uncle Stephen at that time would have been 92 years old, having been born in 1793.

Josephine implores “Josie” to have Charles Edward Cranston write to his relatives and stay in touch.  ~ CCJ

Here is the text. Images of the letter are below.

Raymond, Union Co.
Ohio.
Feb. 27th, 1884.
My Dear Niece Josie,
As I have just written to your mother, and Uncle Stephen and aunt Esther are still sleeping, I will write to you, and thank you for your kindness in writing of what you know is of interest to me. And I must first thank you, and your father and mother, for so kindly remembering uncle Stephen and aunt Esther; it does them good, as it does us all, not to be forgotten by our friends.
There is not much change since I wrote you, yet I think uncle Stephen is gradually declining. It is so sad to see him in his failing strength, thinking at times he can walk with the aid of his staff and cane; but when he tries it, he cannot even raise onto his feet; and with our aid, can only stand a moment, rarely ever bearing his weight at all. I still feed him, and with such aid as I need from others, look after him in all directions. Edwin and Mary, his wife, are here for a couple of days to help us; and when Maggie and I are alone, we have to call on Stephen, or some of his family to help lift him, a number of times each day, when changes are to be made that render it necessary.
I have recently had a letter from brother Wallace, who said he received Maude’s wedding card, and he would have answered, if he had known the address; but as he had written to your father a short time, or some time previous, and received no answer, he thought he must have some other post office than Knoxville, as there was where he directed it. I wish your father would not be so neglectful of his friends, if he wishes ever to hear from them. Please urge him to write to your uncle Wallace; and any others who may favor him with letters.
It would, indeed, have been a great pleasure to me to have been at Maude’s wedding; and if they could have had any one else to take my place with uncle Stephen, I should have been there; for I had just time, after receiving the invitation. But I had to forego the pleasure, though I was with you in spirit all those days, thinking of you all in your various preparations; and wishing to participate with you in all pertaining to the occasion. So I was very glad to learn all you felt like telling me, and as much more as you care to communicate. I should like to hear from Lora, Maude, Kittie, Annie, Christie, and Edna, as well; and your father and mother, when they can favor me. Lovingly, Your Aunt,
Josephine P. Cranston.

[left-margin note, written vertically:] I do remember Maggie Matthews and your uncle, Thomas H. B. Parker. This pleasure, and my congratulations to her, and wishing them much happiness.