Melbourne
March 9.08
My dear Miss Howitt,
Late Saturday evening I received the telegram from your brother telling me that Dr Howitt had passed away.
I trust that you will understand that only engagements that I could not possibly postpone prevented me from coming to Bairnsdale. The Final Honour Examinations of the University began on Monday and it was impossible for me then to communicate with the students and postpone the examinations which I had to supervise personally. I went through them thinking very often
of my old & revered friend whose portrait now hangs in my study. It is only a rough and hasty sketch of his head which I am now more than ever glad that I persuaded him to sit for. I like it for it shows him just as he was with his wonderful forehead and deep set eyes.
He was a wonderful man and it was a great privilege to know him.
The ordinary people out there have of course no idea of what he was or of the work which he has done. I am very glad to think that before he passed away he knew that
his work was fully appreciated by those at home who were capable of judging.
Only a short time ago he seemed so well and strong and so young and eager to work that I thought we should have him with us for many years but it was not to be.
I think that I can realize somewhat what his loss means and will mean to you especially and can only assure you of my very deepest sympathy. You will always have the memory of one whose life was as great as it was simple.
Yours most sincerely
W. Baldwin Spencer.
