Arles, 26^th December 1888

Monsieur Gogh,

I have been to see your brother Vincent. I promised to tell you what I thought of him. I am sorry to tell you that I think he is lost. Not only is his mind affected, but also he is very weak and despondent. He recognized me but did not show any pleasure at seeing me and didn't ask about any member of my family nor anyone else that he knows. When I left him I told him that I would come back to see him; he replied that we would meet again in heaven, and from his manner I understand that he was saying a prayer. From what the porter told me, I think that they are taking the necessary steps to have him placed in a mental hospital.

Please accept, Monsieur, the greetings of him who calls himself the friend of your beloved brother.

Roulin, Joseph.

Entrepeneur des Postes

Rue de la Montagne du Cordes, 10

Arles sur Rhone

My family sends their greetings to M. Paul Gauguin.