[D9209AAR], Letter from James Symington to Thomas Alva Edison, March 21st, 1892
https://edisondigital.rutgers.edu/document/D9209AAR
Transcription
Fort Myers Lee Co Florida March 21st Dear Sir I would intimate that your father got the Cheque you sent him on the 18th and we will go home shortly. I received also your letter declining to make any changes here. And now whether I succeed or not, it will do no harm to try. I know that you care nothing about the nest nor about land nor anything whatever except science. But I have a hope that if you could see your way clear you would help the oldest friend of the family more especially where your Father is involved and where there is nothing to be given away on your part as the security is more than double. It is simply saving me from parties who are lying in wait to avail themselves of my industry. Four years ago I bought 2 acres of land. There was an excellent house with five rooms. A good orchard of bearing trees about 40, a good barn, two acres of the best clay loam land, a good well, so close to the city municipality that I could throw a stone into it. There is a [illegible] next but one to it that cost thirteen thousand dollars. In less than half a mile there is a paper mill that cost 130 thousand dollars. There is another one putting up that will cost nearly as much. Last year there was an appropriation of 20 thousand dollars. Tis year 50 thousand dollars expended in deepening Black River to 18 feet. I was in the act of selling it for 1500 dollars last year but the [illegible] who was buying it found out that it was foreclosed to be redeemed which I can do by the 20th of April otherwise it is gone forever. He thought something might turn up and is holding off. The Mortgage which I assumed with the land and costs amounts exactly at this moment to six hundred and ninety dollars. Had I let the land alone for the time being and gone into agencys I could have paid it before this but I spent a great deal of time getting out stumps, draining and getting it into cultivation. After I went home last year I raised 180 bushels of potatoes and corn and vegetables. I propose this. If you could see your way to advance the 690 dollars and I and my wife wil make the deed to you to hold it for 18 months or 2 years and if I fail to Pay you up the money at that time or before I will find a customer easily or any time. I am anxious to be honorable with your father in this matter. Knowing the difference between your vast interests and my [illegible] I have shrunk from annoying you but the stern necessity of trying to save the property and honorable. I would like to prevent any of these sharks from absorbing this as this property is rapidly rising. Yours truly Ja Symington