nn Harrison

http://www.archive.org/stream/benjaminharrison007546mbp/benjaminhar...

"Benjamin Harrison Hoosier Warrior"

Stillborn third child:

"Before the Civil War was three months old, a black cloud of
personal sorrow temporarily engulfed the Harrison home. Carrie
lost at birth the child whom she and Ben awaited as their "third
pet." 23 Their sorrow was intense and prolonged despite the many
consoling messages of sympathy that poured in from relatives and
friends. Yet, the rare beauty and warmth of the condolences ex-
pressed by John Scott Harrison, who knew this type of sorrow
only too well and too frequently, certainly revived their spirits: (23)

I hear with sorrow the loss and disappointment you sustained in
the death of your little babe but few will doubt that your loss has
been her infinite gain. She has exchanged a world of sin for one of
purity and bliss. . . .

You have lost a little one, too young to know and love you . . . but
God in his mercy is sparing to you two bright and intelligent children
who have learned to do this . . . and you should, and do feel grateful
that He has been disposed to withhold what would have been still a
more bitter cup. Such afflictions fall more heavily upon the bereaved
mother . . . and Carrie has our sincere sympathy. . . . M "

(23): John Scott Harrison to Benjamin Harrison, June 25, 1861, Harrison MSS,
Vol. 4.

...

On June 13, 1861, Ben noted his expense for a child's coffin and box for the
grave, amounting to $10.50.