[This was tucked in the Jul 8, 1884 cover from Winifred to Gertrude, but clearly is the letter Clara Wood mentioned was tucked in with hers on Sep 26, 1881.]My dear Girl.
I'm going to scrawl you a scrawl and send it in Miss Wood's letter. I'm so glad you're coming back that I must keep telling you of it. Every day of my life I say over to myself - "my dear is really coming."
We have observed this as a day of mourning for our beloved president. Oh Gertrude I give thanks, and am proud for his life and his death. He is crowned with the martyrs and priests of God. And Mrs Garfield, I think she is showing us what a woman true may be. I cannot mourn for her for she knows the Comforter so well, and He is sustaining her.
I want to hear from you so much; do send me a little note if no more. We had our first meeting as seniors today, a prayer meeting. I have come back with "lofty and soarin' emotions" of course but I mean [to] be as good and happy as I can and let the rest go. Success or failure, God understands.
The junior class is very large, and smart I guess. There are some original specimens. One they call "the boy," an Irigh girl, only two years in this country who pretends to be awfully wicked. Good night my darling - remember you are always to rely upon your "faithful Achalis" - Pauline.
[James Garfield died on Sep 19, 1881. An interesting recounting can be found at this web site.]