Rose has gone away.

Mother weeps, but she says that you are brave and wishes
that you may avenge them.

I hope that your officers will not refuse you that. Jean won
the Legion of Honor; follow in his footsteps.

They have taken everything from us. Of the eleven who went
to war, eight are dead. My dear Edouard, do your duty; we
ask only that.

God gave you life; he has the right to take it away from
you. Mother says that.

We embrace you fondly, although we would like to see you.
The Prussians are here. Jandon is dead; they have pillaged
everything. I have just returned from Gerbevillers, which is
destroyed. What wretches they are!

Sacrifice your life, my dear brother. We hope to see you
again, for something like a presentiment tells us to hope.

We embrace you fondly. Farewell, and may we see you again,
if God grants.

(Signed) YOUR SISTERS.

P.S. It is for us and for France. Think of your brothers and