Salem              June 3 1864

 

Mrs Wheeler

           

Dear Madam

                                    Although personally unknown to you, yet as the mother of a very dear friend, and one whom I had learned to love as a brother, I desire to express to you my warmest sympathy, in the sad loss you have met with in the death of Richard.

 

                        I well know how hard, hard indeed is such a loss to you, and many hearts are mourning his departure. Yet the consolations must lessen our grief and reconcile us to the decree of / Providence. The Christian faith which Richard had is all powerful and will surely comfort us, and the cause in which he nobly gave his life will always be sacred in history, and may we not forget in a measure our sadness in the thoughts of his many virtues and his steadfast Christian character—

 

                        Personally my relations with Richard were most pleasant and I remember with great satisfaction the many hours spent in his society. Permit me again to express my heartfelt sympathy with you                             

 

Yours—

Very truly

Geo. M. Whipple

SOURCES