“We watch with ever wakeful interest the progress of the war. Sometimes we feel discouraged; but the good God sees and knows all and His time is best.... My sister [Elizabeth], Miss B—— [who, later Col. F—— married], and Dr. S—— and family desire to be kindly remembered to thee.”
The mention of Bayard Taylor in these letters recalls Whittier’s poem, “Bayard Taylor,” in which the poet refers to this visit:
“‘And where now, Bayard, will thy footsteps tend?’
My sister asked our guest one winter’s day.
Smiling, he answered in the Friends’ sweet way
Common to both: ‘Wherever thou shalt send.’
“‘What wouldst thou have me see for thee?’ She laughed,
Her dark eyes dancing in the wood-fire’s glow;
‘Loffoden isles, the Kilpis, and the low
Unsetting sun on Finmark’s fishing craft.’”