A Soldier's Goodbye

My dearest Joséphine, I write to you with heavy heart and clear mind, knowing that my time on this earth is coming to an end. I have no regret for the sacrifices I have made. Jean Calas and Hector are with me now as they have been always. We fought with all our might and now we are overrun. We managed to hold them off for a time, but I know that we too soon shall be overwhelmed. Know that we three were the first and the last and that your husband did not turn his back. My love to you, my dearest wife, and to Amandine and Victor. I do not go to the grave in sadness, but as I always have; with a heart full of thanks and love for you and all our time. Should this terrible illness reach Sarlat, make sure you can retreat to the mountains. I know I shall see you in Heaven. Farewell, Jean-Pierre