Office of the General Board of Education of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Wilford Woodruff, President
Karl G. Maeser, D.L.D., Gen. Superintendent.
Geo. Reynolds, Secretary

Salt Lake City, March 8, 1895

Dear Brother and Sister Clark,

Being prevented by another appointment to express to you in person my deep sympathy in your sore affliction, I join in writing the host of your sorrowing friends.

He died on the field of battle is deemed a soldier's most glorious epitaph, but how much greater glory is in store for him that dies in the cause of Christ.

Your son John died "while at the front" and the Savior's promise is applicable to him, that whosoever shall lose his life for His sake shall have life eternal.

John was a good son, an intelligent young man, a diligent student, and a faithful servant of God. What a glorious record to take with him behind the veil and here it will serve him a glorious welcome.

Where is your son? A patriotic parent might answer at such a bereavement; "He died for his country," and that country would honor the son's memory. But you, as Christian parents, can answer. "He died in the service of the Kingdom of Heaven," and the Heavens will exalt your son and comfort your hearts.

What a line of noble spirits have gone as martyrs beyond the veil, and among them your son occupies an honored place. They are testifying to the Saints of former dispensations that "faithful unto death" is still the watchword of the children of God in these latter days. Thus the Lord may comfort you with the whisperings of His Holy Spirit and with the deep felt sympathy of all your friends, is the prayer of Your friend and brother in the New and Everlasting Covenant,
Karl G. Maeser.