The letter reads:
"Dear Mrs. Ruffin,I have decided to forgive the rent on Jacques' trumpet. You do not have to pay me any more for the trumpet. It is yours to play.
However, if Jacques drops out of band and stops playing the trumpet, will you return it to me so I can give it to some other deserving student.
I have been through bad times like you. But remember: Tough times never last, Tough people do.
Maybe, you can help some other student someday when times are better.
Sincerely yours,
James Jones"