We are reminded daily of the uncertainty of human life: for the young and the old, the gay and the grave, the good and the wicked, are subject to death. Young people do not realize this, but it is nevertheless true, and before you are old enough, my children, to understand and lay to heart all that your mother would tell you of her dearly beloved father, she may be asleep with grandma, close beside him in Bellefontaine. An earthly inheritance is highly esteemed among men. For this reason great e

If you will look in your mothers Bible, you will find that your grandfather, JOSEPH CHARLESS, was born in Lexington, Kentucky, on the 17th of January, 1804; that his father, whose name was also Joseph Charless, was born July 16th, 1772, in Westmeath, Ireland, being the only son of Captain Edward Charles, whose father, (or paternal ancestor, John Charles), was born in Wales and emigrated to Ireland in the year 1663. Your great-grandfather, Jos. Charles, fled from his native country to France, in

You, Charless and Louis, often say to me, Grandma, tell me about when you were a little girl, and many a little story have I told you. But now I am going to tell you about Grandpa, when he was a little boy. That dear, good grandpa, who looked young to grandma, but who looked so old to you, with his pretty, glossy grey hair, was once a little boy, just like you are. He had a dear mamma, too, who tenderly loved him, but she used to punish him when he was naughty, and kiss him when he was good, jus

Twelve months have elapsed since I first made an attempt, by writing, to make you acquainted with your beloved grandfather, who departed this life on the 4th of June, 1859. I am still a mourner-such an one as I hope, as I earnestly pray, none of you may ever be. My poor heart is desolate! I have no home in this world, and I long for Heaven. I would gladly lay me down in the grave, but God knows what is best for me, and He does all things well. Then to my task, for I have a portrait to make-a por

In my previous letters I have endeavored, with the best lights I have, to show you the circumstances and surroundings of your grandfathers early life, by giving you a sketch of his parentage, associations, youthful characteristics, etc. But now, I am entering upon a new era. He is a married man-has left the paternal roof, and is forming new associations. The romance of the vine-covered cottage, with the girl of his heart-which, as fortune smiled, should gradually grow into the stately mansion, w