University of Virginia Library

TO MRS. DEXTER.[1]

How can I address you, or offer human consolation
for a wound which must bleed afresh at every attempt
to assuage it?

Yet if the tears of friendship, and a nation's tears
can afford any relief, be assured, dear Madam, they
flow from all honest hearts, for you, for your children
and for a country which mourns one of its brightest
luminaries extinguished. A great man, fallen in the
zenith of his glory—and in the estimation of his
ancient friend, the ablest statesman of his age which
his native state could boast. It is no common loss
we bewail. Such an assemblage of powerful talents
rarely meet in one individual united to such an upright
and independent mind, which soared above all

low concerns, and was elevated beyond all selfish
considerations and party views.

In domestic life, your own heart alone can do
justice to his memory. The news of the death of
Mr. Dexter so sudden, so unexpected, was felt by Mr.
Adams and myself with the keenest anguish. Out of
your own immediate circle you have not any one
who more sincerely, tenderly and affectionately
sympathizes with you, or who more fervently supplicates
the Supreme Being to support and sustain
you than your sorrowing friend