The bitterness of my heart rises to my lips—and I must preserve all my strength.
Thank M. and my brothers and my sisters and all the family for what they have done for me. Embrace them for me.
I will stop, for every memory of the happiness I have known among you all revives my grief.
To have sacrificed everything for my Country, to have served her with entire devotion, with all my strength, with all my intelligence, and then to be accused of such a frightful crime—no, no!
Write to me often; write long letters. My best moments are those when I receive news of you all.
A thousand kisses for you and for the children.
Your devoted
Alfred.
Tuesday, 18 December, 1894.