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,