Transcription:
Martinez, Oct. 16. 1897 My dear Sargent. I know very well what you have suffered on account of the deadly danger your
daughter was in, for I have two daughters years ago they were near to death. I see that poor good able amiable Stiles is dead.
This death, disease pain business of our nature is horrible amid the joy harmony of our blessed world. and we can only hope
trust that there is a still better world beyond this. With this I return good Abbot's letters I think his estimate of Pinchot
is just, I'm sorry to say. I thank you for letting me see them Remember me to him when next you write. Making his acquaintance
I always regard as the best gain of that tree year. The venerable three H. fellow who calls you