Gentlemen,

Over the years this paper has published many of my letters on a variety of subjects.

In some cases my writing has stimulated lively debate and letters of response among your readers.

I am an old soldier, and will fade away in the next few weeks.

Before I do, I want to thank you for providing me with a forum for my views and opinions and to tell your readers that I have always enjoyed the repartee and conversation.

So now, I paraphrase other old soldiers: my work is done, my course on earth is run; I bid you farewell.

— Col. Charles Coolidge Ross, US Army, retired