RK-557

Greenport, L. Island 1858 Wednesday July 14th

Dear Kennicott

I recieved your letter of the 7th rec’d Washington Just as I was about starting for this place with the boys and have not had time until now to an swer it – I thought it hardly necessaary to put you to the expense of telegraph as I did not want you as a substitute, and as you would hardly expect it after so long a delay in hearing from me – I got away from Washington the 1st July

[page turned, stamped] J. Kennicott Brenton Collections

and spent a few days ve ry pleasantly at home – although very busy with the last corrections of my articles, on which Prof. Gray sent me 9 pps. of criticisms, on the whole very satisfactory to me. It is somewhat uncertain whether Brown will admit the article in the Patent off. Rept though if not Prof. Henry prom ises to put both in the Smithsonian Rept. and the only difference will be in the $5 per page for the former –

I wish you could be with me but I could not ma nage to go to Lake Sup. as the boys had not so much time to spend – I arranged to go via this place, Boston, Portland to the White Mts. and on foot across them to the Connecticutt valley, where some of them leave me – Others may go on further into the Adirondacks or Niagara along Lake Erie. I get $125 per month and expenses which will pay very well – We are having a pleasant time here and I think will get on happily.

I can’t tell you much club news as I have not heard from these for two weeks. Stmip. went off on a cruise down the coast of Maine with Carter and some others just before I left. Hayden had not long before been cut out at Mary Howells by Mr Andrews & felt very sore on the subject – if you write be tender on that point. Campbell was to stay at the house while St. was away, & H. & Meek thought of leaving – it had become so horribly hot up stairs that it was impossible to be comfortable day or night.

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I was mighty glad to leave W. though sorry that I had to leave poor Miss C. R. melting away with the hot weather and soli tude – her mother and sisters having gone off to the springs and left her to keep house for the old gent – I think however she will get to N. Y. in Septr. and perhaps spend some time at Mrs Starks. We parted the best of friends but with little hope of ever being anything more – She is a better correspondent than Miss B. who has quite for gotten you in the devotion of a young lawyer John Rudd.