University of Virginia Library

26. XXVI.
A LETTER OF CREDIT

My Only Benson: — Your suggestion about
the revolting pistols, is highly approved by me,
and I wish to improve a little on it, by purchasing
also, a clarionet (E. flat) for Marlin, and a piccolo,
or octavo flute for yourself. With these dulcet
instruments, you and he can sit on the bridge,
during the mid-watches of the autumnal nights,
and breath forth your saddened spirits in a flood
of melody, which shall charm the marine inhabitants
of Walewski creek, and make the angry and
perturbed nature of the murderer Bell, as soft as
mercurial ointment. Please send the money for
the pistols and musical instruments, and they shall
be forwarded without delay.

             

For the Colt's Revolting pistols, for Marlin,	$60
For the Colt's Revolting pistols, Benson,	30
For the 1 E. flat Clarionet,	10
For the 1 Piccolo,	10
For the Extra reeds,	1
For the Music, a few concerted pieces in B. Minor, arranged for clarionet and piccolo,	10
Total	$121

I have not the money by me, or I would advance
it as you request.

You could not have supposed the United States
Government would furnish arms for the use of
overseers on a military road. Do they furnish
them for the officers of their armies? No, by my
faith, those warriors pay for their own swords;
they purchase their own habergeons and surcoats,
their targets and bucklers, and if they are fain to
indulge in the luxury of a Colt's revolter to strap
upon their posteriors, (there to hang in inglorious
idleness, for aye,) they have to borrow the money
from their friends for that purpose.

Fain would I furnish you and the gallant Marlin
each with a suit of Milan armour of tempered
steel, inlaid with arabesque work of fine gold;
Helmets of the same, with a crest of marabout

feathers containing four at $1.25 each, swords,
shields (with a device representing Bell fishing off
Walewski Bridge) habergeons, battle-axes, daggers
of mercy; and surcoats and lutes with broad blue
ribbon at 3s. per yard for your ladies' bower, but I
have'nt got the money to spare, and well I am not,
if ye seek to come forth in martial guise, your coffers
are far better able to supply your armament
than is my poor pantaloons pocket. I counsel you
therefore, to purchase what you may wish, or
make unto yourselves bows and arrows withal to
defend yourselves after the manner of our ancient
forbears. As to Bell, have I not written unto the
sheriffs of Stillacoom and Olympia, praying that
he may be suddenly and quickly removed from our
midst.

The rope will be sent, the gimbolet is enclosed,
(on the outside.) Make more than 2600 feet per
week, and believe me to remain,