Condolence letters re: death of Leland Stanford: He - Hi includes Phebe A. Hearst, David Hewes, E.E. Hewitt, Jennie E. Hill, and Nellie Adelaide Hillyer

My dear Mrs. Stanford: Mrs. Hemphill and I desire to lay our little wreath on the tomb of one whom our whole nation and all the world delight to honor. Great prosperity did not make him sordid: and great Sorrow did not make him Sour. We bless God for his being and wellbeing. He is the one rich man to whom all Californians can look back with pride and pleasure. If any ask - "Is life worth living?" we point

and the sweet home going so in harmony with his gentle spirit & lovely character.

Consolations abound, but the wormwood, sour in a full cup of blessings, is wormwood still, & we must taste its bitterness, even though we are assured that our Fathers hand pours out this potion for our lips to drink. May He in mercy help you to look upward, for Earth has little that can can comfort the heart of those who stand by such a grace as his, whom you mourn. May his mantle rest softly on your grief stricken heart is the prayer of your symphathizing and caring freiend.

D. Hewes

Occidental Hotel

San Francisco

June 22d/93

My dear Mrs. Stanford

"So He giveth His beloved sleep" What a beautiful "Good Night" to be swiftly followed by the joyous "Good Morning" of a fadeless day!

Henceforth your life will be rich in sadly sweet memories of his blameless years, his dear Companionship

of those who knew & loved & honored your dear husband - & are familiar with the story of your unselfish devotion to him.

I know that for you the sunlight of life is dimmed, & that henceforth you will be as one that tarrieth for a night, always looking for the blessed morning which will dawn for you, when you shall enter into his rest. I hope you will not fail to let me know if in any way I can be of any aid to you. I hope God will abundantly sustain you in heart & mind so you will be able to bear the great sorrow & great work which He has laid upon you.

Yours in love & sympathy

D. Hewes

Occidental Hotel

Monday 3 P.M.

June 26th/93

My dear sorrowing Friend

I hurried to see Charlie this morning to learn how you were for your crushing grief has been uppermost on my heart, he told me of the hard day you passed yesterday. Oh! how weak & powerless are words to convey in any measure the expression of sympathy & sorrow which weighs heavily upon the heart