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Letter No.3
U.S.S. "Monongahela".
Nagasaki, Nov 9th, 1878

To "the dear ones at home",

I try to write you again but with nothing to say only that which can start your hearts from calmness to the sad reality of our eternal loss. Now that my work for my darling is for the present done, I can do no more but give her the love upon which she once lived. The mind is left free to think and the heart to feel the aimless life before me. I saw her grave for a few minutes the day before leaving Shanghai, I hope never to look upon that spot again ; it must be in the land that gave her birth and her heart to me, where kind hands can tend it. Addie, my devoted wife, our darling, is at last left alone with none near to love her or even seek her grave. How much better for my child could I take her place. I feel now that I am to realize what I

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have for the last few days most feared. Since it was decided that the ship was to go to Yokohama, I had hoped to see my little Charlotte again, but I see it is not to be so ; owing to the delays we are ordered to make on the way. Although when I left her I did not expect to see her again, still I can not resist the pain of disappointment. I know from the kind of letters of Mrs. Hubbard that she is well and happy, still I wish to see my child again and hold her tenderly in my arms. I do not dare let my mind dwell upon the long time before I can hear of her safe arrival home among you. Three long months of impatient waiting. I have nothing to fear, but the terrible suspense.

Farewell for now - Henry

10th

Today is Sunday ; quiet and peaceful with us all : nothing to divert the single object of our ever thinking mind. After breakfast I will go ashore and see what Nagasaki is like. The harbor is not unlike Acapulco. Addie used to say, "the town is very interesting," Even here,

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here my mind follows her. I do not think she knew any-one here or I would call upon them. I find it vain and useless to write to you and must stop. I have but the single thought ; Addie and our child, I could never cease to write of them, but it can not relieve our pain. Addie is dead, seems all I know.

Henry

11th

I have seen Nagasaki and think it is beautiful. I saw all our darling spoke of and much more. I had hoped that the last mail would bring me a letter from Mr. Jansen giving me an account of our darling's sickness as he saw it, but none came. I fear he does not care to speak to me on the painful subject, it can not be worse than we already know? Why should he so disregard my earnest request when I have asked so little of him. We leave here on the 17th for Kobe, and do not expect, at the earliest, to get to Yokohama before the 25th, The day on which the "Pikin" sails with Charlotte.

Henry

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13th

It seems hard to bring this short and uninteresting letter to a close, and I hope the cause will enter your minds clearly. The time must come when I can do better. I am very well and am enjoying the new scenes with more calmness. My little Charlotte goes in the steamer that takes this letter. Her arrival among you will be a substitute for my inability to write. I send you Mrs. Hubbard's letters regarding Charlotte. They may be of some value to you regarding her peculiarities. I send you a picture of the Shanghai Gardens (separately). Mrs. Hubbard will tell you more about Charlotte than I can write. I have no fear but she will arrive well and strong, but wanting the affection and tenderness that none but her devoted mother can give. I trust the comfort she may give you as the child of your child will soften the trouble and anxiety her tender years must produce. I will not see her again until the end of the cruise.

With love to all. Henry -