Charles E. Stowe, Harriet Beecher Stowe compiled from her letters and journals by her son Charles Edward Stowe

[269] could not let you go till I have seen once more your face in the flesh, for great uncertainties hang over my future. One thing, however, is certain: whichever of us two gets first to the farther shore of the great ocean between us and the unseen will be pretty sure to be at hand to welcome the other. It is not poetry, but solemn verity between us that we shall meet again.

But there is nothing morbid or morbific going into these few lines. I have made Old Tiff's acquaintance. He is a verity,--will stand up with Uncle Tom and Topsy, pieces of negro property you will be guilty of holding after you are dead. Very likely your children may be selling them.

Hattie, I rejoice over this completed work. Another work for God and your generation. I am glad that you have come out of it alive, that you have pleasure in prospect, that you “walk at liberty” and have done with “fits of languishing.” Perhaps some day I shall be set free, but the prospect does not look promising, except as I have full faith that “the Good Man above is looking on, and will bring it all round right.” Still “heart and flesh” both “fail me.” He will be the “strength of my heart,” and I never seem to doubt “my portion forever.”

If I never speak to you again, this is the farewell utterance. Yours truly,