Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)

Ms 13, 1863

The Death of Henry White

NP

December 1863

Previously unpublished.

We feel the loss of our dear Henry very much. We miss him everywhere. The youngest and oldest branches of the family tree have been broken off. We return from our Eastern journey wounded but not comfortless. 1LtMs, Ms 13, 1863, par. 1

It was a great blessing to be permitted to watch the last painful hours of my firstborn. My sweet singer is dead. No more will his voice unite with us around the family altar; no more will music be called forth by his skillful touch; no more will his willing feet and hands do our bidding. But we look forward with joy to the resurrection morning when all the broken links of the family chain shall be united, nevermore to be rent asunder. What a hope for the Christian! 1LtMs, Ms 13, 1863, par. 2

Our faith and trust in God has been sorely tested, and we have no disposition to murmur or charge God foolishly. He doeth all things well. 1LtMs, Ms 13, 1863, par. 3

As I closed the eyes of my noble boy in death, I could say from the heart, “The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away, and blessed be the name of the Lord.” [Job 1:21.] Our hope is not in this world. If it were, we should be inconsolable. 1LtMs, Ms 13, 1863, par. 4