Reverend and dear Father:
Words fail to convey how soothing was the intelligence that previous to his last attack my son had had the happiness of receiving our dear Lord, and that after he had paid the “Supreme Sacrifice” he had one of God’s representatives near him. In life he was devoted to religion, in death he must assuredly be happy with God. But to us who are left it has been a crushing blow, and especially to me, his mother, to whom a kinder and more dutiful son never was given.
Our Lady of Sorrows is certainly the one to turn to in this hour of trial, for she likewise gave up her son. So, like her, I shall endeavor to carry my cross, but I fear it shall not be carried so well.
And now, dear Father, allow me to extend to you my most sincere thanks. You will always be remembered in the prayers of his sorrowing mother.
The next is from Grimsary, England:
Dear Father Murdoch:
I should feel I was neglecting a great duty if I did not write a line to thank you for your kindness in informing us of my dear brother’s death. R. I. P. It was indeed a great consolation to know that he received Holy Communion before going into battle, also to know that he was buried in a cemetery. We shall be ever grateful to you for your kindness and for your prayers.
With every best wish for your safety, I am,
Yours sincerely,
The next is from Gilford P. O. Co. Down, Ireland: