202 Edward Livinzsto7i Youmans 



^>- 



possible. I have a little time now, but I shall soon be off." 

 . . . Of course it won't do to let Spencer know what is 

 going on at all. He would spoil it, sure as fate. It is un- 

 certain at best, but to succeed it must be already done and 

 come upon him in a shape he cannot help. . . . Good-by. 

 I leave to-night for the West to be absent at least six 

 weeks. I am sorry to go just now. 



FREEroRT, III., February 7^, 1866. 



Dear Sister : Welcome back again with all gladness, if 

 you are back and not dead. It was plucky to undertake it, 

 just after Jay's account of sea-sickness, but I suppose you 

 rushed into it with a fatal fascination, as people go and 

 hang themselves when the air is filled with rumours of 

 suicide. I trust you came through with nothing more than 

 indescribable physical discomfort. I know all were de- 

 lighted to see you at home, as I certainly shall be if I ever 

 get home, and I hope you will take it easy and pick up 

 strength. I am storm-bound here; snow deep; thermometer 

 minus twenty, and railroad obstructed. Went to lecturing 

 hall — only twenty persons present, the weather so horrible. 

 Night before last missed an engagement by failing to con- 

 nect. Shall try it again to-night, but this week will amount 

 to nothing. I hope to be back to New York by first of 

 March. 



/ smoke — praise be to God for tobacco ! 



New York, March j, 1866. 

 Mv DEAR FiSKE : I havc just returned from a long lec- 

 turing tour West, in which I had the calamity to get no 

 news from home for nearly two months — everything missed 

 me. Your letter of January 20th therefore has been left 

 till now unconsidered. I was delighted to see it, to hear 

 from you, and to get a glimpse of such a vision of glory 



away and let us have a better. We can train the vines of faith on the new 

 one just as well.' " 



