"Most affectionately, madam, I am ever yours,
Mary."


Agnes' letter, which, as we have said, was enclosed in the above, was
worded as follows:

Shreveport, La., Oct. 2d, 1873.

My Darling, Ever Beloved Mother:

You will notice that this letter is written by another hand than
mine. The reason you will find further on. You will remember when I
left you to come here I told you that I had resigned myself to the
will of Him in whose merciful service I enlisted.

I have devoted myself to the work with my whole soul, my heart being
thoroughly in the good cause. And I believe that I have been the
humble means of saving several lives.

I have not got the fever, but night before last, while nursing a
child, I carelessly fell asleep--being very much wearied--and fell
down stairs. Thank heaven, I saved the little one's life. I struck the
small of my back causing a fracture and some internal injury. The
doctor has done all he could for me, but it will not avail, and I must
go away from you, at least on this earth.

But sweet, good, kind mother, I will meet you again above, in that
better land where there is no sin, no pain, no anguish, but where all
is light and love and immortality. My dear friend and nurse, Sister