Chicago, July 12, 189—,
Dear Mr. Ames:

In the death of your brother, you have sustained a misfortune which all who had the pleasure of knowing him can feelingly estimate. I condole with you most sincerely on the sad event, and if the sympathy of friends can be any consolation under the trying circumstance, be assured that all who knew him share in your sorrow for his loss. There is, however, a higher source of consolation than earthly friendship, and, commending you to that, I remain,

Yours sincerely,
Jerome C. Hoover.
G. H. Ames, St. Louis.

To a Friend on the Death of Her Child.

Atlanta, Ga., November 17, 189—.
My Dear Blanche:

I feel that a mother’s sorrow for the loss of a beloved child cannot be assuaged by the commonplaces of condolence, yet I must write a few lines to assure you of my heartfelt sympathy in your grief. There is one thing, however, that should soften the sharpness of a mother’s agony under such a bereavement. It is the reflection that “little children” are pure and guileless, and that of such is the kingdom of heaven. “It is well with the child.” Much sin and woe has it escaped. It is treasure laid up in a better world, and the gate through which it has passed to peace and joy unspeakable is left open so that you, in due time, may follow. Let this be your consolation.

Affectionately yours,
Maud Trowbridge.
To Mrs. Blanche Norton,
New Haven, Conn.

To a Friend on a Sudden Reverse of Fortune.

Louisville, Ky., June 5, 189—.
My Dear Friend:

Hackneyed phrases of condolence never yet comforted a man in the hour of trouble, and I am not going to try their effect in your case. And yet let me say, in heartfelt earnest, that I was deeply pained to hear of your sudden and unexpected reverse of fortune. Misfortune is very hard to bear, when it falls upon one, like a flash of lightning from a clear sky, without any warning. But do not be discouraged. When Senator Benton saw the work of many years consumed in ten minutes, he took the matter coolly, went to work again, and lived long enough to repair the damage. So I hope will you. There is no motto like “try again,” for those whom fate has stricken down. Besides, there are better things than wealth even in this world, to say nothing of the next, where we shall neither buy nor sell.

If I can be of any assistance to you, let me know it, and I will help you as far as I am able.

In the meantime, cheer up, and believe me as ever,

Yours sincerely,
James Sterling.
H. R. Drayton,
Covington, Ky.

“SHE ENTERED ON UNTROUBLED REST.”

[Etiquette of public places]