To Mrs. Bowers + 

My Dear Mrs. Bowers. I am afraid this will reach you after one of the heaviest blows of your life. + 

I write when we are very near the end of our journey, and I am finishing it in company with two gallant, noble gentlemen. One of these is your son. He had come to be one of my closest and soundest friends, and I appreciate his wonderful upright nature, his ability and energy. As the troubles have thickened his dauntless spirit ever shone brighter and he has remained cheerful, hopeful and indomitable to the end.⁠ ⁠… + 