Decatur County Journal Leon, Iowa Thursday, April 4, 1912 Captain JOHN D. BROWN, of Leon, received from General JOHN W. NOBLE last February what is believed to have been one of the last and probably the last letter that he wrote before the fatal illness came that caused his death a few days ago. The letter as written to his old friend follows: St. Louis, Mo., Feb. 23, 1912. My Dear Comrade and Friend: Your beautiful letter on Washington's birthday has touched me deeply. It is a blessing for any man to have a friend so true and thorough so many years as you have shown yourself to be to me. It began when we were in the field struggling with our young manhood for the old flag and it lasts still to keep us with patriotism warm for our country and love for each other. If we cannot be great like Washington, we can like him be loyal to the cause he maintained and faithful to our own friendship. So may it continue, on and on. Like you, I have not been quite up to my usual mark of good health this very cold winter, but it is only indigestion that bothers and that not all the time. I do not work like I used to but yet visit my law office at regular hours and keep doing some legal work. I thank you for your friendly interest and I return you and Mrs. BROWN my respect and thanks. Give my best wishes to any of our comrades you see. -- Most Sincerely, John W. Noble. -------------------------------------------------------- Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert December 28, 2009 [email protected]