NEW YORK Evening Sun —
1890
[DEAR MOTHER:]
Today is as lovely and fresh as the morning, a real
spring day, and I feel good in consequence. I have just come
from a couple of raids, where we had a very lively time, and
some of them had to pull their guns. I found it necessary to
punch a few sports myself. The old sergeant from headquarters
treats me like a son and takes the greatest pride in whatever
I do or write. He regularly assigns me now to certain doors,
and I always obey orders like the little gentleman that I am.
Instead of making me unpopular, I find it helps me with the
sports, though it hurts my chances professionally, as so many
of them know me now that I am no use in some districts. For
instance, in Mott and Pell streets, or in the Bowery, I am as
safe as any precinct detective. I tell you this to keep you
from worrying. They won't touch a man whom they think is an
agent or an officer. Only it spoils my chances of doing
reportorial-detective work. For instance, the captain of the
Bowery district refused me a detective the other morning to
take the Shippens around the
Chinese and the tougher quarters because he said they were as
safe with me as with any of the other men whose faces are as
well known. To-night I am going to take a party to the
headquarters of the fire department, where I have a cinch on
the captain, a very nice fellow, who is unusually grateful for
something I wrote about him and his men. They are going to do
the Still Alarm act for me.
These clippings all came out in to-day's paper. The
ladies in the Tombs were the Shippens, of course; and Mamie
Blake is a real girl, and the story is true from start to
finish. I think it is a pathetic little history.
Give my love to all. I will bring on the story I have
finished and get you to make some suggestions. It is quite
short. Since Scribner's have been so civil, I think I
will
give them a chance at the great prize. I am writing a comic
guide book and a history of the Haymarket for the paper; both
are rich in opportunities. This weather makes me feel like
another person. I will be so glad to get home. With lots of
love and kisses for you and Nora.
DICK-O.
