"... I was much shocked and very sorry to hear the news your letter, which was received this morning, contained, but was much obliged to you for speaking so plainly of your dear brother, for I was much interested in him. Not only I, but _all_ of our little Women's Auxiliary Conference, and also the ladies of the Auxiliary Conference in Boston. He was a noble fellow, and doing much good there in the Joliet prison. I hope to transfer my esteem and respect for him to his family in remembrance of him. How little it ever occurred to me, when I wrote the letter to him on the 20th, that the dear fellow was safe in his heavenly home. I am sure he deserved a high place with the dear ones above, in whatever faith he died. He used to write us such good, interesting letters, both here and to Boston. We were always glad to get them.... I never have known to what church he and his family belong, but have imagined the Presbyterian.... What church do you attend, and how old was Andrew? I am old enough to be his mother, I suspect, and looked upon him and some few other of my correspondents as 'my boys,' as one of my converts styles himself. My hope was that Andrew would study for the ministry some day.... I know what sorrow is, but must say yours is one of the most trying ordeals to pass through,--an only son, and such a noble one, to die among strangers. My heart aches sorely for you, and I do not wonder it seems like a 'dream' to you. We do not know and cannot tell why our dear ones are taken. We can only trust in God's love to lighten the burden for us after a time, and accept our present trial. The spirit of the dear ones will help us to be kinder and more loving to those who are left with us; and gradually a change comes over us, and as days roll on we find our lives are very different from what they were before,--purer and holier, and we have been drawn nearer heaven and been with our dear one all the time. I will copy a beautiful poem of Whittier's, 'The Angel of Patience,' at the close of this letter. 'Our earthly loss is our heavenly gain.' ... Bear as bravely as you can, and the good Father will send peace to your souls as the years roll on. 'We must through much tribulation enter the kingdom of heaven.' We shall be glad to send papers to _you_ now. I think in the 'Register' you will find many things to comfort you often; and from time to time I will select something especial for you. Let me know, please, by postal, if you prefer not to have them. Shall be very glad to hear from you any time." This letter led to a correspondence continued until Miss Ellis's death, and to the sending of much literature to the family. Further extracts from this correspondence follow:-- AUGUST 16, 1885.