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Newport address Box 555 (41 written in pencil)
Cohasset Aug 20 1886
Dear Jervy
Yours of June 6th has been in my pocket with several others for a great while; every now & then I'd attempt to write but as often deferred doing so until I feel ashamed of my neglect. Your last (Aug: 15) came here while I was on the water with Barrett, hence some delay in giving it the prompt reply wh it demands. Your offer of the Boughton picture just suits me, albeit I am loth to deprive you of it.
Regarding the Mtge. of course, my dear boy, I am willing to do anything for your relief & convenience in the matter, therefore make the sale if you care on the terms you propose.
I've been here most of the summer & have had a very quiet & restful time, yachting & driving nearly every day. Monday I go to Newport for a few days & then to Boston to have my wardrobe packed for my long tour---beginning Sept 13th, in Buffalo, the intervening time will be devoted to rehearsals in New York. I've not been very happy
of late. My own folly at the Academy is ever rising to shame & disgust me, and my domestic disappointment also depresses me. Struggle as I will to dispel these clouds they will oppress me, & I suppose that brooding over the second provoked the first. The next 8 months (maybe 10) I shall be whirled about in the unreal world of my profession, and perhaps it will be better for me to continue to work hard as long as I am able to do so & thus keep my mind away from home affairs. Thank God, the longest life is but a span as the worst.
In your first letter you mentioned Launt. I've not heard from or of
him (except by your letter) for a very long time. I was told that he nearly lost his commission for the statue---before it was in plaster; I hope he did not---for it would render him penniless. He told me (long ago) that he would get [$?] 30000 for it, then go to Florence & settle [$?] 15000 on his children & return here. He said nothing of Maria. Poor fellow! but ah, how much more pitiful is the case of Maria & the children!
I wish that I could write a oftener to you, Jervy, but as I grow older I become more apathetic & listless, this is the only cause on my long silences Adieu! Love to all
Edwin (29 Chestnut Boston)