[added later:
Dr Wagner]

Beverly Hospital
Beverly N.J.
July 20/64

My dear friend,

I saw the notice
of the death of your good & kind
brother in the paper, never
was I more painfully surprised
God rarely makes men so near
perfection as noble, big hearted
John Hopper.

I shall never forget his kindness
to me last winter, & hope that
an opportunity to reciprocate to
his family will yet occur.
I wrote you several times
to City Point, if this shall
find you at home, I presume
you will not care to leave
again shortly. I am very

busy establishing my large hospital.
I have had many applications
from ladies for the position of
matron of the nurses, I shall
appoint no one until I hear
from you.

I have rented a pretty cottage
on the Delaware, & live all
alone, my old cook Harriet
keeps house for me, & is my
only companion.

If you & Mrs. E. should conclude
to come on, I would be
much pleased to have you live
with me, as there is plenty of
room in my cottage, & I could
make you comfortable.

Mr. Corum of [Point Lookout] will
probably be my contractor.

Present my kindest regards to Mrs.
Hopper, & assure her that I feel
the great loss she has sustained,
deeply

My regards also to your daughters
& believe me
very truly
yours C. Wagner

Mrs. A. H. Gibbons,
New York

Please drop me a line
at your earliest convenience.