John Todd's Letter

Todd was born in Rutland, Vermont in October of 1800, and shortly afterward his family moved to Connecticut. When John was six years old, both parents died, and a kindly aunt agreed to give John a home.

There he lived until he left to study for the ministry. By and by his aunt became seriously ill and feared she would die. In her alarm, she wrote her nephew with questions about death. Here is a portion of John Todd’s reply: It is now thirty-five years since I, as a little boy of six, was left quite alone in the world. ¼u sent me word that you would give me a home and be a kind mother to me.

I will never forget the day when I ===◊=== Death in the Forefront Even in the best of health we should have death always before our eyes. -MARITN LUTIIER ;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;; ◊ ;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;; made the long journey of ten miles to your house in North Killingworth. I can still retnember my disappointment when instead of coming for me yourself, you sent Caesar to fetch me.

I well remember my tears and anxiety as, perched high on your horse and clinging tight to Caesar, I rode off to my new home. Night fell before we finished the journey, and, as it grew dark, I becarne lonely and afraid.

‘’Do you think she’ll go to bed before we get there?” I asked Caesar anxiously. “Oh, no,” he said reassuringly.

“She’ll stay up for you. When we get out of this here woods, you’ll see her candle shinin’ in the window.’’ Presently we did ride out into the clearing, and there, sure enough, was your candle.

I remember you were waiting at the door, that you put your arms close about me and that you lifted me-a tired and bewildered little boy-down from the horse. ¼u had a fire burning on 1 Robert Russell, “If A Man Dies, Will He Live Again?” Proclaim!, Spring 1999, 9.