your
welcome letter by the hand of another, owing to the
condition of my eyes. For many weeks their inflammation has
prevented me from reading or writing, and I fear that this
condition will continue for a good while to come. So soon as
I am able to do so I will either write or have the pleasure
of calling on you. In the meanwhile believe me most grateful
for your letter which, however, has been but imperfectly
read. The darkened chambers of my life never had more need
than at present of the sunshine which your sympathizing
letters have always brought me.

Very sincerely yours,

J. HOLT.

* * * * *

WASHINGTON, D.C., Jan. 26th, 1893.

Dear Mrs. Gouverneur:

Your last two letters have been received and I thank you
heartily for them. As tokens of your continued friendly
remembrance they are precious to me. I am much obliged for
the privilege of reading the letter of Mrs. Vance [Mrs.
Zebulon B. Vance], which is herewith returned. It is another
of the many indications I have had of the subtle and wide
spread circulation given to the Johnson-Speed calumny to
which you refer. It seems to me that the poison is beyond
the reach of any human antidote, and that I must look to God
alone for shelter from it. Your generous and effective good
offices in this matter, so deeply affecting my reputation
and happiness, have filled my heart with an enduring
gratitude.

Your unflagging solicitudes, too, for my poor waning life
have much added to that debt of gratitude, great as it was
and is. Let the good Lord be praised for ever and ever that
spirits such as yours have been born into the world.

I am obliged to address you in this brief and unsatisfactory
manner by the hand of another. After two years and a half of
continued treatment I have as yet received no relief
whatever, nor do the eminent physicians who have treated me
afford me any encouragement for the future. While the world
feasts, it is evident that _my_ lot is and must be _ashes_
for _bread_.

Hoping that you are drinking yourself freely from the
fountain of happiness you open for others, I remain

Very sincerely your friend,

J. HOLT.

* * * * *

WASHING