p.

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 be-
reavements 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 min-
gle 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-