"No one, not in my situation, can appreciate my feelings of sadness at this parting. To this place, and the kindness of you people, I owe everything. I have lived here a quarter of a century, and passed from a young to an old man. Here my children have been born and one is buried. I now leave, not knowing when or whether ever I may return ... I commend you to the care of the Almighty, as I hope that in your prayers you will remember me ... Good-bye my friends and neighbors."