itself a source of discomfort, for it separates us, who have none other for the weary heart to lean upon. Still we have much to be thankful for, and I trust we are truly thankful. And, God willing, the time shall come when all who know us at Birmingham shall acknowledge that we are honourable. In the meantime let us be content. Accept for yourself, my dearest sister, my grateful acknowledgments for all your past kindness. You have been to me a sister, affectionate with the watchful affection of a mother. I cannot remember a moment of life when you did not smile upon me with gentleness and love. It was you who did nurse me in my earliest sickness, and you whose voice of comfort came last to me in my native land. When affliction smote my mother in earlier years you caught the maternal glow of her love, and supplied her place. You taught me first to pray, and my best prayers shall be offered up for you. And I have other sisters; may God be most kind to them! Give my love to my brothers. If we never meet again may their years be many and their share of happiness large. That they may go down to the grave in honour and peace will ever be his prayer who is far away.
I thank you sincerely for the sweet words of
