TO: Louise Norcross
FROM: ED

March 1865

Dear Sister,

Brother has visited, and the night is falling, so I must close with a little hymn.

I had hoped to express more. Love more I never can, sweet D[udleys] or yourself.

This was in the white of the year,
That was in the green.
Drifts were as difficult then to think,
As daisies now to be seen.
Looking back is best that is left,
Or if it be before,
Retrospection is prospect's half,
Sometimes almost more.