March 26 1862

Who was it that gave me Birth
Who watched oer me like any serf
Who laughed to see me play in mirth
			My Mother
Who watched me in my Infant days
Who taught me the Lord to praise
And told me to walk in his ways
			My Mother
Whose heart is with me when Im gone
Who do I always find at home
Who do I think of when alone
			My Mother
Who is the best friend of my youth
Who told me I must speak the truth
For in a lie there was no use
			My Mother
Who is the one I Love the best
Who neer alows herself to rest
Who never says a thing in gest
			My Mother


Who always works from day to day
Who never leaves her work to play
But does it all without delay
			My Mother
Who do I Love with all my heart
And wish that we need never part
Who when I left a kiss did [dart?]
			My Mother
But I have left my Mother Dear
When I think of it I shed a tear
Who has for me the greatest fear
			My Mother

    This is my first attemt
    in the poetical line of 
    Bisness how well I have
    Succeeded Shall be left
    for you to deside as it
    is yors as a present from
    your affectionate Son
      Israel G. Atkins
      A E 16 years lacking 1 day