1902

The other day came a copy of a letter from Ducky Drake to George Elderkin in reply to a letter from George. Apparently George has been trying to impress his feeling about Germany on Ducky - without success. The latter says that the suffering of the German people in World War II was so great that he feels it will be many generations before they - the Germans — will care to start another war. Ducky speaks from his close association with both German and American officials in that country. I, personally, still feel that we have little to fear from the German nation in our time.

Today there came a letter from HowardHarris bringing the sad news of the death of "General" Stone. This is our fifth loss by death of a classmate this year. I think we all had a very tender regard for our dear General.

Howard Harris sends me a quotation from a Dartmouth man of an earlier generation which runs as follows:

"One by one they all have followed the Angel of Death outward, over the portal - leaving us in their places certain memories and visions."

"Into the night they are gone "But still the fire on the hearth burns on, "And we alone remain."

There is a small prayer which I always say when my friends pass on. I do not believe that any of them have gone on "into the night." So I say, "Father, my friend has gone on to his reward. I pray thee to hold him very close and give him comfort that he may not feel unhappy nor lonely in that great new place to which he has gone."

I have written to ask Percy for a complete list of those who plan to be in Norwich for our reunion. I had thought I had given you complete information on this but now I feel doubtful. I cannot End Percy's letter in which he named them. Please don't forget that Dalrymple has succeeded Kenny as class treasurer, and Howard Harris has taken over the Bequest chairmanship.

Look, fellows, don't forget to send in your subscriptions to the Alumni Fund and remember it is the fact that you gave rather than the amount that counts. Some folks have asked me what is a fair amount to give. All I can say is that a reasonable gift seems to me to be one that hurts just a little.

All of which reminds me that I have written to Roy in DeLeon Springs and have gotten no reply. I wonder if he has gone north.

This week Thursday I go to see my surgeon over in Orlando. I am hoping that I shall then be able to write Percy that I can be with you all in Norwich in June. Stella and I are eager to see you all. Do plan to be there. We aren't getting any younger. I long to see each and every one of you. Affectionately yours,

Tom.

P.S. The list of those who have decided to attend our interim reunion has just arrived from Percy. I hasten to tear open my sealed letter to the MAGAZINE and copy the following list of names:

Julius A. Brown and daughter Mrs. Jessup, Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Clark, Mr. and Mrs. Albert H. Dalrymple, Mr. and Mrs. Percy O. Dorr, J. Frank Drake, George W. Elderkin, Mr. and Mrs. Leslie B. Farr, Mr. and Mrs. Herman W. Farwell, Howard N. Harris, Mr. and Mrs. Frank C. Moore, Harold F. Parker, Mr. and Mrs. Harold E. Plumer, Mr. and Mrs. Francis B. Riley, Chester A. Studwell, Dr. and Mrs. Philip P. Thompson, Dr. Burr R. Whitcher, wife and daughter.

To this list add the Olivers, the Perkinses, the Dudleys, Griggs and Watson. Possibly Stella and I will be there, too. I hope so.

Secretary, 210 Columbus Avenue, Coronado Station, New Smyrna Beach, Fla.

Class Agent, RFD 1, Hubbardston, Mass.