Oct. 12, 1912.
A Grand Work Highly Commended
Louisville, Ky., July 24, 1902.
Rev. Geo. L. Herr,
Dear Brother Herr: I regret very much to learn of your departure from the city, and the work you have so nobly, and for so long a time, engaged in at this institution and elsewhere. To say that you will be missed by us is but faintly expressing my feelings at your departure. You will not only be missed by myself and other officials at the jail, but by the poor unfortunates placed in my custody, for I know I can truthfully say we will never be able to get any one who will take the pains and do the great good you have done for all with whom you have come in contact.
I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.—Heb. 13:5.
I can assure you that your farewell sermon to all of the one hundred and eighty prisoners in this jail on yesterday was the cause of great depression in the spirits of all who heard you on that occasion, for every one of them felt that he or she was about to lose their best friend, who had not only ministered to their spiritual wants but made their troubles his own, and in every way in his power relieved them of their every ailment.
You and your good wife were as father and mother to them, their guardian angels, who made their rugged paths smooth and their futures bright and happy.
It is with much sorrow that I write you today, and my only consolation is in the hope that you may some day return and take up the good work again for the betterment of the unfortunates who may be confined in this and other institutions in which you have worked in this city.