“When I bought this place, instead of paying the whole $1,800, as I wished, $300 of my money went to pay old debts with which I ought to have had nothing to do; and Mrs. Alcott’s brother, Samuel J. May, joined his name to a note for $300, to be paid by instalments in two years.  And now that the first instalment is due, he sends me word that he declines paying it.  As all my cash has been expended in buying and keeping up the affair, I am left in a precarious position, out of which I do not see the way without some loveful aid, and to you I venture freely to submit my feelings.  Above all things I should like to discharge at once this $300 note, as unless that is done the place must, I fear, fall back into individuality and the idea be suspended.  Now, if as much cash is loose in your pocket, or that of some wealthy friend, there shall be parted off as much of the land as will secure its return, from the crops alone, in a few years; or, I would sell a piece until I can redeem it; or, I would meet the loan in any other secure way, if I can but secure the land from the demon usury.  This mode seems to me the most desirable.  But I could get along with the instalment of $75, and would offer like security in proportion.  Or, if you can do it yourself, and would prefer the library as a pledge, you shall select such books as will suit your own reading and would cover your advance in cash any day you choose to put them up to auction, if I should fail to redeem them.  Or, I would give my notes of hand that I could meet by sales of produce or of land.  If I had the benefit of your personal counsel, we could contrive something between us, I am sure, but I have no such aid about me.  The difficulty in itself is really light, but to me, under present circumstances, is quite formidable.  If at your earliest convenience you acquaint me with your mind, you will much oblige.

“I have another trouble of a personal nature.  I suffer already this winter from the inclemency of the weather, so much that my hands are so chapped that I can scarcely hold the pen.  If I could find employment in a more southern position that would support me and the boy, and leave a little to be applied to the common good, I would undertake it.  I think I could at the same time be of some mental and moral service to the people where I might be located.

“Another trouble.  Young William has been very ill for the last month, brought on, I believe, by excessive work.  He is still very weak, and has not sat up for three weeks.

“All these, besides sundry slighter plagues, coming upon me at once, have perhaps a little disconcerted my nerves, and the advice and assistance of a generous friend at such a juncture would be indeed serviceable.  If the journey were not so long and so costly I would ask you to come.  Be assured that whatever may be your decision in any of these relations, my esteem for you cannot be thereby diminished.  My only fear is that such encroachments on your good nature will reduce your estimation of, dear friend, yours most sincerely,