September 17, 1912

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Mrs. Jennie Dunham

Pawtucket Sept. 17 1912
99 Spring St.

Dear Jennie,
I thank you for your kind invitation to make you a visit but I hardly think it will be so I can come now it has got so late in the season, and I think you have done well to entertain so many this summer. I hear from Emma often over the phone but have not seen her since she came home. Well Jennie, I received the news last week that brother John Cole passed away the 12th of this month. Fannie and Grace went down Fri. The funeral was held there Sat. He was sick but a short time, the Chaplain wrote Fannie a very good letter saying that he made his peace with God before he went and wanted him to write just the words he sent to them. Fannie said the funeral service was very impressive and she thought it was best to have him buried there. He died three days before his pension was due $92.00 but they cannot have it as he was dead. I wish Florence could have had it but that is their rule. I think brother Charlie will recognize this picture. Give him my love and accept much for yourself Lovingly Aunt Carrie
Fannie gave me this post card. She bought quite a number at Togus.

Abby Roberts had sent Jennie a similar card of the grounds of the National Home a few years before.  What is striking about both images is the orderliness conveyed in the plan of facility.  All of the buildings were painted the same mustard color.  The streets within the grounds were broad and the buildings well set back.  The veterans visible in either card are in uniform, as was required of all the residents.  Most of the men who are pictured are isolated on solitary walks around the spacious compound.

Jennie's correspondent, "Aunt Carrie,"was the youngest sister of Ben and Charles Cotton.  John Cole was her brother-in-law.  Liike Carrie, Cole had lived in Pawtucket most of his life.  When his wife, Ellen (Cotton) Cole, died in 1903 he moved to Togus. For Charles Cotton, the death of his brother-in-law was particularly poignant.  They had lived together at the National Home.  They had seen others die in Togus.  Cole and Hiram Cotton had both enlisted at the same time, 50 years before.  Private Cole, Company D., 1st Massachusetts Calvary, was the ony family member who any firsthand knowledge of Hiram's death in the War.    

1912
September 17, 1912