Dear Kate
"A Secret Sweetheart"

After his death, Reynolds' body was taken to Philadelphia to the home of his sister, Mrs. Landis. While the body lay in the front parlor, a young lady came to the door.

During preparation of the body, a chain had been discovered around Reynolds' neck with a heart engraved medallion, and on his finger, instead of his West Point ring, he had a small ring with the inscription "Dear Kate." The family was puzzled and stunned at this discovery, having never heard mention of a lady in their bachelor brother's life.

After being welcomed into the home, Catherine Hewitt related the tale of their courtship to the Reynolds sisters, how they fell in love and the details of their relationship, which included an agreement for her to enter a convent should anything ever happen to him.

Read more in "For God's Sake, Forward!"

 "Last Promise" painting by Dale Gallon
www.gallon.com