Monroe Dec. 28 1869

Dear Sir,

I have just had put in my hands the letter you wrote to Chaney Knight inclosing a check for $100 towards the monument I have erected to the memory of my dear departed son - This seems like a gift to me and is greater than all I ever received gratuitously before - I had not solicited or expected aid from any one - Indeed it did not occur to me that it was any body's business but my own - I believe now that if the project had been ventilated his acquaintance would have contributed freely towards the Memorial. The opportunities had been limited and so of course the sphere of his acquaintances; "All who knew him loved him and all who saw him praised." He had no enemies not one - What I have done has been a relief to my feeling and is but a small testimony of my appreciation of the merits of the fallen Martyr - As a Son and brother he was all that could be desired; as a citizen he was exemplary in every word and deed; and as a patriot
He loved his dear Country and prompt at her calling
He laid all his fond hopes and joys aside
He sought the front ranks and there bravely falling
A patriot hero and Martyr he died
But hundreds of thousands made the sacrifice many very many more eminent but none more patriotic or pure it was the price paid for the union we preserved the freedom we bestowed the liberty we established and the prosperity which awaits our future well doing Time has done much to assuage my grief and your kind sympathetic letter will have its influence in the same direction - Your good words and gracious deeds will not be forgotten - Long may you enjoy the richest blessings of life among which is the luxury of doing good
Your ever and over obliged friend
John Brooks.
Peter Townsend Esq.

John Brooks