Letter from Henry, dated 1864-06-30

Hospital June 30th 1864.

My Friend:

Your letter containing the sad intelligence that I had lost my best earthly friend was received last eve. This is a poor time for me to attempt to express my feelings, but I feel that I must write [strikeout]you[/strikeout] a line to you in your deep affliction. In our bereavements we can have no greater consolation than to know that it is the will of an all-wise Providence and that, "He doeth all things well". His time had come, he could stay no longer.

In this fresh sorrow I wish to mingle my tears with yours for it has come very near to me. I know how he loved, and was loved, not only in the home circle but in the large circle of friends and ac-

quaintances. He found friends readily wherever he went and he was a friend in turn. You know how intimate we were. [strikeout]In[/strikeout] During the whole period of our acquaintance I have ever found him the same, firm, unchanging, devoted friend. He was also an [underline]active[/underline] friend. He was not satisfied unless he could do something for his friends. His feelings sought expression in deeds. His numerous acts of kindness, his readiness, at all times, to administer to the wants and comforts of those around him - his selfdenial, were the best proofs of his friendship. And all these were done with no thought of self, not as a friendly [underline]duty[/underline] but as a [underline]pleasure[/underline]. It is pleasant to think of his many noble and manly qualities and of the good influence he exerted wherever he went. His was one of those positive characters whose force

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is felt and ackknowledged. It was my fortune to be associated with him in the peculiar trials and temptations incident to the Army, and he not only successfully resisted all these, but exerted a salutary moral influence on those around him. In the company he gained the good will of all the men. [strikeout by someone else?:]not withstanding[/strikeout] the petty prejudices at the outset.

I have already written more than I intended. The subject is prolific. I go home to-morrow to spend a few days before going after my [ly?]. If possible I will visit you.

Deeply sympathizing with you in your affliction. Willie's friend desires to be considered more than ever

Your friend.

Henry.