My dear Mary,

I cannot permit you to leave my class where you have been a scholar for nearly five years without some testimony of my sincere affection. For your assiduous efforts to conform to every prescribed rule - - your punctuality at the appointed hours - - your respectful attention to instruction, however imperfect - - you have won my sincere regard. Though I regret that duty oblige me to relinquish the pleasure of seeing your face on each returning sabbath morning - - I rejoice that your absence from us will be the means of good to others. In the capacity of teacher, which you expect to fill, the bond of fellowship is still preserved and we are, in future, co-laborers in the vineyard of Christ. May God bless you ever & make you a blessing is the sincere desire of your friend,

N. D. Estabrook


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Transcription used with permission of Charles Massey.

Archivists:
Transcription by Charles Massey.
Image by G. Anne Sloan