early June 1883

I had, dear friend, the deep hope that I might see your Brother before he passed from Life, or rather Life we know, and can scarcely express the pang I feel at it's last denial.

His rare and hallowed kindness had strangely endeared him, and I cannot be comforted not to thank him before he went so far. I never had met your Brother but once.

An unforgotten once. To have seen him but once more, would have been almost like an interview with my "Heavenly Father," whom he loved and knew. I hope he was able to speak with you in his closing moment. One accent of courage as he took his flight would assist your Heart. I am eager to know all you may tell me of those final Days. We asked for him every Morning, in Heart, but feared to disturb you by inquiry aloud. I hope you are not too far exausted [sic--gsss] from your "loved employ."

To know of you, when possible, would console us much, and every circumstance of him we had hoped to see. My sister gives her love to mine.

Though Strangers, please accept us for the two great sakes.

E. D.