# Closing Up My London Agency explained — Father Henson’s Story of His Own Life

> Chapter companion for Father Henson’s Story of His Own Life by Josiah Henson.

## What happens

Josiah Henson concludes his agency in London, publishes his narrative, and receives a letter about his wife's critical illness. He immediately returns to Canada, where he is reunited with his family and spends his wife's final weeks by her side before she dies peacefully.

## Themes in this chapter

### Faith and Religion

Charlotte's Christian faith and calm acceptance of death, and Josiah's reliance on God, are central to the chapter.

### Family Separation

The threat of permanent separation from his wife due to distance and illness drives Josiah's urgent return.

### Resilience and Survival

Josiah's decision to abandon profitable business for family, and Charlotte's fortitude in facing death, exemplify resilience.

## Character check-ins

### Josiah Henson

Narrator and protagonist; closes his London agency, publishes his narrative, and rushes home to his dying wife.

### Charlotte

Josiah's beloved wife; lies at the point of death, reunites with Josiah, and dies peacefully after a few weeks.

### Lord John Russell

Hosted the dinner mentioned in the previous chapter; referenced as part of the timeline context.

## Key lines

> I was not long in deciding the question. I will leave my books and stereotype plates, and all my property behind, and go.

He quickly chose to abandon his publishing venture and all his possessions to return to his dying wife.

_Highlights Josiah's prioritization of family over material gain._

> She blessed me, and blessed her children, commending us to the ever watchful care of that Saviour who had sustained her in so many hours of trial; and finally, after kissing me and each one of the children, she passed from earth to heaven without a pang or a groan, as gently as the falling to sleep of an infant on its mother’s breast.

Charlotte blessed her family, entrusted them to God's care, and died peacefully, like a child falling asleep.

_Emphasizes the serene, faith-filled death of Charlotte._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se/chapters/xxiii-closing-up-my-london-agency
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se/chapters