The river was low; we made slow progress till above Helena; and, as we approached Memphis, Dr.Roler told me that Willie's life was in danger, and he was extremely anxious to reach Memphis for certain medicines and for consultation.

We arrived at Memphis on the 2d of October, carried Willie up to the Gayoso Hotel, and got the most experienced physician there, who acted with Dr.Roler, but he sank rapidly, and died the evening of the 3d of October.

The blow was a terrible one to us all, so sudden and so unexpected, that I could not help reproaching myself for having consented to his visit in that sickly region in the summer-time.

Of all my children, he seemed the most precious.

Born in San Francisco, I had watched with intense interest his development, and he seemed more than any of the children to take an interest in my special profession.