Viewing page 588 of 732

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

591

-2-

off his books some thirty-five thousand dollars of real estate and other investments in Florida, and that he had not yet finished the job.

I write you this to give you an idea of the situation hoping it may reach you before you leave England; also, that it may prepare you somewhat for the unpleasant state of affairs in the land of our mutual real estate deals.

Should you go to Florida before we meet, and while there decide to close out your property there, I wish you would treat my interest in our joint lot in any way that seems to you best. I feel, like Mr. Hart, that it is a good plan to clean house occasionally, and to get rid of questionable assets.

Shortly after our return home, Tom and I purchased in joint partnership a villa on the island of Capri. Neither of us know much about it, but we are told that it's garden is very fine, and that the house itself is quite a comfortable affair.

Tom is anxious to spend some time in Southern Italy, and wants to try his hand at some serious literary work. He has recently been appointed American Consul at Sorento, and is now in Washington, examining into details of the position; and before his return here, he is likely to decide whether to accept or reject the post. I am inclined to think he will accept it, and if so, he is likely to take up his duties there the latter part of March, or first of April. He will be greatly missed in Detroit, but these

Transcription Notes:
---------- Reopened for Editing 2023-09-25 10:24:35