Maybe, this year, or some other year, when I am not with you, they may give you, sometimes, comfort and strength.
God bless you my son-- YOUR OLD MOTHER who loves you dearly--dearly.
THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER PHILADELPHIA, April 17th, 1883.
MY DEAR BOY: You are to be nineteen years old on Wednesday.

After two years more you will be a man.

You are so manly and good a boy that I could not wish you to change in any serious or great thing.

You have made us very happy through being what you have been, what you are.

You fill us with hope of your future virtue and usefulness.
To be good is the best thing of all; it counts for more than anything else in the world.