244. John Bachnian. 



by a Minister (Episcopal), of South Carolina, who, at 

 that time, was not personally acquainted with Dr. 

 Bachman. A bunch of evergreens and wild flowers 

 accompanied the letter — the bright Golden Rod was 

 scarcely faded, though the busy hands that had 

 gathered the memento, were already at rest under 

 the sod. 



October 3rd, 1859. 



Rev. and dear Sir — During our visit to the 

 Virginia Springs, Mrs. E., myself, and our little boy 

 visited the grave of your beloved daughter in the 

 cemetery near the Red Sulphur Springs ; the spot 

 was kindly pointed out to us by Mrs. D. We cut 

 the evergreens from a tree standing at the East end 

 of the grave, in the space between it and the monu- 

 ment over Gov. Alston's remains. The flowers were 

 gathered from the grave itself. Knowing full well 

 the strength and tenderness of parental affection, it 

 has afforded us sincere pleasure to gather and present 

 these faded mementoes of one, Avho though long- 

 since departed, yet, doubtless, remains fresh and 

 green in your memory. Accept them as the offerings 

 of Christian regard. 



This incident is now, to us, invested with thrilling 

 interest. The little hands and feet, mind and lips,. 

 so busy on this day, (three weeks since), in the 

 work of affection, have all been stilled and hushed 

 in silence ; and all that was mortal of our dear boy, 

 rest too, in a distant grave. A sudden and un- 

 expected attack brought deep sorrow to our hearts, 

 as it tore him aw^ay from us. Yet we mourn not. 

 as those without hope. A merciful God has early 

 translated him to His garden above, where his leaf 

 will never fade or wither ; his Inight and joyous 

 life has been exchanged for one brighter still,. 



