This letter was written on the stationary of a J. S. Swain, Worchester, Mass., and dated Jul 10, 1892, addressed to Miss Edith Peck, West Norfolk, Connecticut.

My dear Edith:

I was a little bit disappointed not to find a letter from you last night - but I know you aren't able to write very often and it is all right.

Of course you know that Ed. Swift has at last made a supreme effort and become engaged to the engaging Aliss? Wilson?

I was terribly tired last night and could only just drag myself to bed. The store keeps open until 10 P.M. and at last I know what it means to be sleepy. I reached my high water mark of office work last week.

100 letters and 75 samples in one day. I took up 4 satchels full to the Post office.

I am glad it is so short a time now until I come up to see you. I know the time will go too fast when I once get there.

I suppose it is really about as warm there as it is here - but one can kind of lie around half dressed there - and the river is a big advantage.

Papa and I are in our shirt sleeves fortified behind a irritable breastwork of newspapers.

Mabel writes me she is going back to Canaan - and hopes to get rested before the gayeties commence.

I have got to go to New Haven and look after my "yacht" - Aunt Sue? would be frantic if she knew of it - so it is a kind of family secret.

How is "dear Gracie?" Now Edie - there is no use in putting off things or delaying the ? day - I have got to go out to the Watson's when I visit Norfolk. I shan? probably go but once - it is too far, in a visit of a week long - but what will my greeting be?

Nothing very tender I guess - for I saw Mr. W. once on a train and he gazed coldly on me and never ever winked. However (it may be the presumption of extreme youth) but I fancy I can stand it and adapt myself to whatever atmosphere surrounds me in their house.

? ? ? in New Haven - and our formality was something to rejoice the heart of Ward McAllister.

The least I hope for is a very close inspection.

Sometimes I am tempted to drop M. entirely - but after all I rather like the child and to my own surprise I can't bring myself to it. So as I find it altogether beyond my ability to control events - I lay back and wait for something to turn up; it is so much easier to adapt one'self to circumstances than to labor to change existing facts.

N'est cepas?

Not having any adventure to write about this time - I don't see how I can make out such a long letter - dear - and so I will conclude - hoping to see you in about a week - and find you pretty well.

I shall be glad to stop working a few days and have some nice quiet evening talks with you - when you can ask me all the questions "by the yard" you want to.

Very lovingly

Jack

Letter transcribed by Vergie Barber DeAntonio June 30, 2000

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