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Chi. 129 Lewis St. Sunday Feby 27th 1887
My Dear Mother:
Your letter announcing the arrival of infantry at the Grand Central was sent over to Geo. as soon as read, that was Monday morning.
Monday noon I went around to see Geo. as I do "semioccasionally" (one of Charlie's old expressions) and he told me that Mr. Duryea was in the City. Geo. mentioned to me about a year ago that his bookkeeper was not satisfactory and we talked it over pro & con whether I should leave Mess. Goetz & Co. & keep his books.
If there had not been considerable difference between salary he paid & one I received & would want think
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we would have concluded an arrangement then as I have for some time tho't that I had gotten all there was in present position. but it seemed to both of us that it would be awkward for Geo. to make a change in favor of his brother when additional expense would be incurred. So we let the matter drop. Now when he said Mr. Duryea was in town it occurred to me that the change was still a desirable one on my part (& hope on the part of Geo. also) and that the matter might be taken out of George's hands or at least the decision and I asked him again about it. Geo. said we would go out to lunch that night & I could return to the store with him & look the Books over and if I was still so inclined he would broach the subject to Mr. Duryea the next day. At noon Tuesday I had an interview with Mr. D. & it was almost
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if not quite decided that I leave Goetz & Co. with whom I have been so long. Wednesday noon I broached the subject to Mr. Goetz. I did not realize how hard it would be to make the change until then. I flatter myself that I enjoy the confidence fully of Mr. Goetz. he seems to regret my decision very much. he told me that some time since when he executed his Will that he had inserted my name as one of the executors. This is one instance showing that my services have been such as to merit his confidence. I can only trust that the change will be to the advantage of both Geo & myself.
It seemed a long time that I did not hear from you or sister. Kept looking for a letter so delayed writing again.
Now about the baby. Is it the
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"prettiest baby" that ever was? What is the color of hair & eyes? Has it cut its wisdom teeth yet? Can it walk & talk? Have just read my questions to Aunt L. and she laughed in such a way that I know something is wrong about them. No doubt shows my experience (!) in infantry tactics. Oh well! If I am wrong put me right and tell me every thing about the wee little one that the eyes of a fond Grandma can discover.
Have I told you that I take the steam cars down town daily now in preference to street cars? They are much more comfortable and expeditious.
We are all letter writing. L. to Anna. Florence to someone at home. F. graduates next June, perhaps. I am reading "Ben Hur" aloud and all are very much interested in it. All well at 4328 when heard last from them. With love from all to all and a special package for you. I am your son Hughes