LETTER FROM S. F. B. MORSE, ESQ. 355 



course. My memory could easily furnish me with many 

 striking examples, but I will close with mentioning the last 

 one. I happened to pass through New Haven just a week 

 before his death. I, of course, called upon him, but he was 

 unable to receive me. In a few hours after, he sent the 

 appended note, not knowing that I had already left town. 



I almost envy you the task of preparing the biography 

 of so excellent a man, thus living over, as it were, the life 

 of a truly good man. I remain, with sincere regard, 

 Your obedient servant, 



CHARLES BECK, 



To Professor Beck : 



MY DEAR SIR, I was much disappointed this morning to 

 learn that you, with Professor Salisbury, had just left our 

 door. A loss of voice (temporary, I trust) renders conversa 

 tion difficult ; but I could have seen you, gentlemen, never 

 theless, if you would excuse my imperfect enunciation. Mr. 

 Salisbury will, I trust, repeat his call at no distant day, but 

 as my prized opportunities of seeing you are rare, I should 

 still be gratified to see you and Professor Salisbury too, if 

 he will excuse the informality of the invitation. Always 

 with high respect and very kind regard, 

 I remain, dear sir, 



Your faithful friend and servant, 



B. SILLIMAN. 



The following tribute is of a similar tenor : 



S. P. B. MORSE, ESQ., TO G. P. FISHER. 



POUGHKEEPSIE, July 20, 1865. 



MY DEAR SIR, I have ever looked upon Pro 

 fessor Silliman as my ideal of a perfect Christian gentleman, 

 and as the model of a neighbor. He was ever ready to con 

 tribute to the relief of any one in distress, always ready in 

 a thousand delicate ways to alleviate the lacerated feelings 



