Is it remarkable that he looked forward with infinite longing for Kerncliffe on his retirement from the senate? Here was his family. At Roanoke, near by, was his daughter Julia, wife of Dr. George Lawson, and little son. The great shadow that rested upon him at the time was concern over his health. He had so overtaxed his strength during the four years of constant vigilance as leader of the senate that his system had been unable to throw off the cold he had contracted and along with loss of weight and strength, his voice remained alarmingly husky. He was finally persuaded to go to the sanatorium at Asheville, North Carolina, for treatment, and on March 23, nineteen days after leaving the
senate we find him writing a characteristic letter to John, Jr.:
“Asheville, N. C., March 23, 1917.
“My Dear Boy:
“When I sent Mr. Brooks’ letter I had not yet received the Brooks School News containing accounts of your splendid record, a sample of your fine work, and telling of the esteem in which you are held by your teachers and fellow students. It’s a great thing to have such things to your credit, and I can’t tell you how proud I am of you, and how much joy I derived from reading the paper. It is great to have ability and pluck to conquer one’s way through the obstacles which are always present in school work, and all other kinds of work, but it is greater still to make the fight in such a way as to command the respect and love of your comrades, and all of those most closely associated with you. You should be happy in the knowledge that you are a great comfort to your parents and have convinced them that you are to live a life of usefulness which will bring honor to yourself and happiness to them.
“Of course there is lots of work before you yet, but you have demonstrated your ability to meet successfully whatever may come.
“I am hoping to be with you before very long. You may be sure I shall come as soon as I can.
“I hope my other dear boy is well by this time. He has good stuff in him, too, and I am sure will make a great success of life.