p February 4, 1869

p Dear Emil,

p I have just received from Mama the sad news that our dear Marie Bartels died of scarlet-fever on Monday evening. The news shook me to the depths of my being.. ..

p ... I am writing not to comfort you but simply because I know the beneficial effect on a person of an expression of sympathy on the part of people from whom he has the right to expect it. Believe me that this sympathy comes from the heart.

p Give my cordial greetings to Marie, poor Robert and all your children.

Cordially yours,
  Frederick