This brief note from Maria Slate informs her husband Shamgar, who is somewhere near San Francisco for work, of the premature birth and subsequent death of their infant son after 3 days. The letter reads: "March 9th My Dear Husband. I cannot let a letter go to you without writing a few words. You will doubtless be terrified(?) to hear of my sickness -- I was confined the last days of Feb -- much sooner than I expected -- you no doubt will feel the disappointment as well as myself. Our babe was a dear little boy & I flattered myself he would remain with us but I was soon pained to hear he would not-- the third morning of his little life he died in a fit. I can give no reason for his premature birth but the doctor thinks that was the cause of his death. It has grieved me very much being weak & feeble but I still see many mercies mingled with the disappointments. I might have been taken from you & our other dear babes. In my letter of April I will write more particulars. I am gaining daily & soon with can hope to be able to sit up & attend to our dear children. They are in perfect health & often talk of their dear Father. They were so pleased when they saw their little brother but their joy was transient. Do not my Dear Husband give yourself any (illegible) about me for I shall be very careful of myself. Do write as often as possible for I long to hear from you. Your Wife Maria." The letter is sent to Captain Shamgar Slate of the Ship Hamilton care of Hand & Co. San Francisco, California.