“It is very hot here, and I have felt the heat more than at any time this summer. In fact, I haven’t been very well, but nothing serious, though I have had the doctor a couple of times. I may not be home until early next week, as I have been thrown back somewhat by my business. Uncle Roll (Cooper) comes in to see me every day. “This last has been a proud year for you, as you have carried off everything in sight. We are all proud of you and love you dearly. I have no doubt but that new honors and many of them are to be yours in the future. “Much love to all, “YOUR FATHER.” Even in this letter, written under the conditions described, the never-failing love of fun crops out in the reference to a family joke about Mrs. Kern getting the boys’ birthday checks. After the collapse the serious nature of his illness was so impressed upon him that he reconciled himself to another absence from Kerncliffe and the family, and to returning to Asheville for an indefinite stay. Going by way of Washington he stopped for a day at the Congress Hall hotel, where he smilingly told Louis Ludlow, the correspondent, that he was “going to Asheville for a post-graduate course,” and wrote a brief note to Billy, the younger son, inclosing a birthday check. “WASHINGTON, August 8, 1917. “MY DEAR BILLY: “You are fourteen to-morrow and here is your check. You are now a great big boy, almost a young man, and I know you are going to be a good man, for it is in you. When I left you the other night I would have been glad to have told you how much I loved you and your dear brother and mother and sister, but I was too full to talk. I doubt if you will ever know what deep love your father has for all of you. My earnest prayer is that you boys will grow up to be good, honest, square, manly men. “Lovingly, “YOUR FATHER.”