see my numerous friends and acquaintances, It is truly hard to leave them. - My trunks are now packed and the hour of my departure is nigh at hand. - But when I look at my numerous books which I will have to leave behind, it seems as though I was loosing my best friend; for I could always interest myself by reading them when no person could. I will now have to bid adieu to my friends and relatives. Perhaps I will never see them again on this world; but trusting in God as my protector I hope that he will bring me back the same man as I was when I left. If I am killed by the rebels "in a far and distant land I will lie. And no friend to shed a tear when passing by."
