James feels duty bound to write again, although his frequency may make him seem troublesome. Only Friday did he receive John's letter of December 17. He thanks him for the care taken about the mortgage; they have not yet advertised the property. He asks Timon to let him know how much interest is due and when and whether any has been paid since the suit was commenced. He waited on the firm of Tabor, Shaw, and Tatum about the base?. The firm is changed to Glasgo etc., Taber having sold out. _____ Shaw is on? to the eastward. His partner Tatum says that on his arrival the affair will be adjusted so that if the base is not found they will pay the amount as the bill of lading is sufficient evidence. The shoes were sent immediately with a letter in care of Mr. Pratt. James spoke to the Walshes about the candles but fears it will be long before they can be sent. Regarding the plans, John will have had his letter long ago. The one Mariavello? was preparing to send would have been a sorry bargain. The Walshes have taken in as a partner Mr. Patterson who is married to one of the Higginses. James wishes John would forget the Ames affair. It will be a very safe business for anyone who has money to spare. Poor Margaret is wrestling with a small female school on the hill in the house of a decent French family. She has two little rooms and has 8 or 10 scholars at $4? per quarter and likely to increase. She has altered for the better, particularly in humility. James has clothed her, provided her with benches, bed, bedding, firewood, and perhaps to the amount of $50. she does some little sewing for Lucy and is as obliging as possible. James caught a cold about two months ago which is not likely to quit him. :: IV-3-k A.L.S. 3pp. 4to.