re it the shadow of Death.

"You desired of me to give particular information respecting Clara
Hazeldon. In accordance with your request I suppose I must do so.
Through disappointment, in hoping against hope, she became low
spirited, and failed considerably in health; and, on hearing of your
intended adventure in the Red River expedition, relinquished every
hope of your return, and shortly afterwards became the wife of
Charles Holstrom.

"Your child is still in your father's family, and is a
bright-eyed-healthy-looking boy, resembling you very much indeed. At
the request of your relatives, but with considerable reluctance on
my part, I now undertake to inform you of an event which has recently
occurred in your own family. They consider it better to make it known
to you by letter than allow the reality unexpectedly to force itself
upon your mind at your return.

"On the 20th day of July last, your mother, by a fall down the
stairway, unfortunately got one of her limbs broken. It was
considered necessary to have it amputated. Mortification set in
shortly afterwards, eventually proving fatal. At an early hour on the
morning of the 25th, only five days after the occurrence, your dear
mother breathed her last, surrounded by her weeping relatives. She
was sensible to within a few hours of her death. Her dying words
conferred a blessing upon you. She died happy, and with full
assurance of a blessed immortality.

"Striking as this announcement must be to your mind, I trust that
with the help of God you will be enabled to bear up under the severe
affliction. Sooner or later we must all die; and by what means we
know not. Then let this event be another warning to us to prepare
effectually for our exit to eternity. May God bless you, my dear
friend. May Christ be your spiritual Physician, to pour the Balm of
Gilead upon your troubled soul; and through Divine power may you ere
long be conducted back in health and safety to your old home.

"Your friends join in expressing their love to you.

"I remain, dear Frederick, your affectionate cousin.

"William A. Thornton."

Appended to the above letter was the following note from Eliza,
Frederick's eldest sister:

"London, Sept. 20th, 1870.

"My Dear Brother,--The sad events that have occurred since your
departure have thrown a dee