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To the memory of my much respected friend [Thos?] Hicks Esquire Rear Admiral of the Blues

[illegible] from this world of rude bustle and strife [illegible] is a man who has led a most excellent life. Filial duty distinguished the day of his youth And his Manhood was marked by affection for truth. [illegible] husband or Father or brother or friend [illegible] Action was just in its motive and end. [And?] perfectly mild and as cheerful as kind [No?]thing selfish disgracefully tainted his mind. All loved him who knew him; nor could they do less [illegible] to sooth ev'ry [wound?] or each wrong to redress [illegible] the pride of a [dcant?] turned to friendship and love [illegible] sent as a model, to man from above. [illegible] Hicks. to they worth may your country be just [illegible] my grief [thru?] your grave wind down to your dust [illegible] weep oer the bier where each villager [igh'd?] [illegible] herself shed a tear when you died.

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