Details
TYLER, John. Autograph letter signed ("J. Tyler"), as former President, to Robert Tyler, his son, Sherwood Forest, 19 July 1849. 1½ pages, 4to.
TYLER MOURNS THE LOSS OF HIS GRANDSON "IN THESE TIMES OF PESTILENCE AND DEATH"
The cholera epidemic that tore its way through America in 1849-50 killed thousands, including the former President's grandson. Here Tyler imparts stoic advice to his grieving son. "I need not attempt to describe the pain inflicted on me by the event. I had like yourself many hopes in store from him and now the curtain has fallen and the future to our hopes is no more. Well my Dear Son the decree of Providence cannot be altered and all that is left is submission to an overruling destiny. Your fate is still much better than that of hundreds of others in these times of pestilence and death. Many have risen in the morning surrounded by many children and domestic happiness and before the coming of the night have found themselves fatherless and desolate. You have still sweet children left you and great cause of gratitude for many blessings. Besides how blind we are to the future: what know we of it: and how often does it happen that what appears a grievous burthen hard to be borne is in truth a blessing. Cheer up then my son, and placing all your trust and confidence in a Superior Being yield neither to unavailing melancholy or grief. Priscilla will want all the consolation you can afford her, and fortitude on your part will best aid in sustaining her. Above all things take care of your own health as the highest duty."
TYLER MOURNS THE LOSS OF HIS GRANDSON "IN THESE TIMES OF PESTILENCE AND DEATH"
The cholera epidemic that tore its way through America in 1849-50 killed thousands, including the former President's grandson. Here Tyler imparts stoic advice to his grieving son. "I need not attempt to describe the pain inflicted on me by the event. I had like yourself many hopes in store from him and now the curtain has fallen and the future to our hopes is no more. Well my Dear Son the decree of Providence cannot be altered and all that is left is submission to an overruling destiny. Your fate is still much better than that of hundreds of others in these times of pestilence and death. Many have risen in the morning surrounded by many children and domestic happiness and before the coming of the night have found themselves fatherless and desolate. You have still sweet children left you and great cause of gratitude for many blessings. Besides how blind we are to the future: what know we of it: and how often does it happen that what appears a grievous burthen hard to be borne is in truth a blessing. Cheer up then my son, and placing all your trust and confidence in a Superior Being yield neither to unavailing melancholy or grief. Priscilla will want all the consolation you can afford her, and fortitude on your part will best aid in sustaining her. Above all things take care of your own health as the highest duty."