As a Tale that Is Told: Recollections of Many Years

Abstract

Towards the end of May 1891, I received a most affecting letter from my brother in New York. He told me that for some time he had been very unwell, that his ailment was now discovered to be incurable, and that he had not long to live. ‘My first thought’, said he, ‘was that I would at once wind up my affairs here and come with my wife to England that I might see you all once more, die among my own people, and be laid by my father and mother. But my doctors tell me that I should not survive the voyage, but be buried in the Atlantic. So, if it is at all possible, come at once, my dear brother, and see me for the last time.’ I was, as may be supposed, greatly distressed, but immediately made the necessary arrangements and secured my passage.

(London, New York, Toronto and Melbourne: Cassell, 1919) pp. 199–200.