19. Harry's Letters, February 18 - March 1866

Carson Feb 18th 1866

Dear Nellie:

I got your letter containing Byron's photograph yesterday. I thank you, and I shall renew this Expression of obligation whenever you send me the promised pictures of Mary Gosse and Hattie Robinson. Whenever you can make it convenient to do so, please have some new pictures taken of your own face and send one me. I don't intend to be called a beggar without some cause, and I shall keep dinging away at you and Lue until you comply with my demands for family portraits.

So you have been "flirting"

with my black Eyed cousin. Well, I suppose I shall have to submit to it since there seems to be a prospect of his being improved in "grace" and in a knowledge of the art Terpsichorean thereby.

Seriously do just as you please Nellie, and let the gossips and busy-bodies talk as much as they please. I do know you better than to distrust your motives and am delighted that my cousin has displayed the gallantry and good taste to be so polite toward you. My principal regret is that I am unable to be where I can accompany you in your pleasant excursions.

I am delighted that you have so good a friend

and adviser in Mrs Smith. Please present that most Excellent lady with my compliments and assure her of my sense of obligation for the good opinion she has been pleased to express with regard to me. I trust I may always merit her entire approbation.

You ask me "would you wish me to go alone?" I will answer "No," and for this reason: The voyage would be an entirely novel one to you, and there is a possibility that you would be beset with inconveniences and perhaps dangers and illness — and moreover, in my opinion, no lady should travel so far alone, unless the reason for her doing so is

impulsive and unavoidable. Further: I am apprehensive that the cholera will prevail as an epidemic, next summer, and if it does, I shall insist upon your remaining in Maine, where it has never yet appeared, and where I trust it never will go.

I am very firm in the fact that my business, which is increasing gradually, will warrant me in making Wash such an offer, within the next six months, as will induce him to come to Nevada; and then you and Hattie and Emma can pack your trunks and come with him. You will perceive that the problem which I

am trying to solve is this: How to get to you or have you to come to me in the shortest possible time compatible with prudence (in a business point of view) and with propriety and convenience, so far as we both are concerned. I feel certain that the whole question will be fully and satisfactorily solved before the snows fall next winter. I could not, if I would, lose sight of the fact, that it is my duty to be sure that you and yours shall be provided with all the comforts of a good home before I ask you to make the venture of coming to this wild country. In my own somewhat eventful life