The Thomas A. Edison Papers Digital Edition

Transcription

Fort Myers, March 10th 1892
Respected friend- I received a telegram from you this morning making this inquiry. Is my father in good health? To which I answered yes. Your inquiry perhaps was in consequence of my letter complaining of his appreciating the money intended for me. The fact is some of his faculties are failing but the most of them are as strong as ever. Notably an executive impatience without cause and a losing sense of fitness and competency to accomplish results. These are the natural results of old age which in the nature of things must come to us all. But his memory is very good and he is as sharp as ever in detecting absurdity f enjoying a joke the same vigorous wholesouled benevolent nature is still there. He is wonderful at his time of life both physically and mentally. There is not much gone after all. We took your boat and rowed down to Sinabelle island against  both wind and tide most of the way gathered of shells and came home. He is stronger more vigorous than you imagine. 
Now I have accomplished something that will save you 300 dollars  a year and will accomplish infinitely better results. Last year I called your attention to the fact that Gillaland's man in charge of the place had made it like a little paradise in contrast with your place which your man Hibble though getting double the wages he yet had totally neglected. Hibble lept and you handed it over to Major Evans to take charge. Now the Major is a good natured amiable man. So amiable indeed that there is no point of contact. But a mere nonentity. Bitterly incompetent and unpractical. If you paid any attention to his notions he would involve you in thousands of dollars. The fact is the Mayor knows he is getting money for nothing and he wishes to convince you he is doing something for it. Gilliland is moving heaven and earth to sell his place he offers the whole boats furniture and all for four thousand dollars. This man who he was so lucky to get to take care of the place and who has done it so well is apprehensive that he might lose his place in case of sale. Knowing this I suggested this matter to him. He is willing to take charge of your place and do as effective duty as ever he did to Gilliland for thirty dollars a month and board himself. That is 360 dollars a year. See above, you will see nearly 300 dollars and what is more the place will be kept perfect. He is a tropical Gardener understands grafting, transplanting and all the mysterys of tropical vegetation. He is an old bachelor and a model of steadiness and industry, a great worker early and late. Notwithstanding your free heartedness and generosity there is no reason why you should throw away your money for nothing. If this meets your needs you will need to write at once and I will make the agreement for your father and we will start from about the last of the month and he would take charge before we leave. The young man the mayor put on the place is a very good man but not to be mentioned with the other man I have spoken of.
His name is George C. Mead Gilliland's man.
I have not been successful in life from several causes. First I trusted a man and was beaten out of my al about 8000 dollars which I made out of my own industry. 2nd I was burned out after partial recuperation. 3rd I had no trade and had a large family of girls and my son married early. They are all married now but one and my hands are now free. Notwithstanding this I still claim that my Judgement of men and things is practical and good and believing that I am right in this matter and not only monthly will be saved but that great good will result to you from this if you see fit to avail yourself of it.
I remain yours truly
Jas Symington