[Boston—Wednesday, 21 December 1870]
Dec. 21. Received a call this morning from Mrs Francis G. Shaw. It was the first opportunity we have ever enjoyed of conversing together. Her sweet face wears a lambent grace and beauty which age has ripened but not destroyed. She said she considered herself the happiest of mothers. All her daughters are happily married, and for the most part are settled near her, and as for my son she said solemnly “I know he is safe, and happier where he is.” I said, yes, and after a life so beautiful and a death so glorious there is indeed much to rejoice over. “Yes” she replied “and his life was as beautiful as the world says it was which is not always the case!”
Ah, I felt I had met a friendly soul—one I may meet again in Paradise, after she parted out!
