This is a terrible blow for us all—to me, somehow, ’tis like Walter Scott dying again; but then, poor Lockhart, and the dear motherless children!!! Is there anything that I or Mrs. Croker could do to alleviate this distress? Would they like to come here? They should find, after Monday, solitude and sympathy, and such opportunity for the diversion of sad thoughts as the country affords. I do not write to Lockhart; but as you will no doubt have some communication with him, say anything on our part that you think timely or likely to be acceptable, and offer from me to do anything that I can to relieve him from the troubles of business—though I know well that generally “the troubles of business” are God’s most bountiful mercies on such occasions. Prayer and business are the only consolations.
