mid-April 1883

Dear friend,

The sorrowful tidings of your Note almost dissuade my reply, lest I for one moment take you from your Brother's Beside. I have delayed to tell my Sister till I hear again, fearing to newly grieve her, and hoping an encouraging word by another Mail.

Please be sure we are with you in sorrowing thought, and take your Brother's Hand for me, if it is still with you. Perhaps the one has called him, of whom we have so often talked, during this grieved year -

With sympathy,

E. Dickinson.