125.
1929:
Rapid City, Man. July 26,
1929.
My Dear A.L.P.,
You hardly realize things. We have to get out of here as
soon as possible. If we don't go of our own accord, we'll
go to the Asylum, that is all. We live as in a grave.
What has kept us so far, is that fact that I wanted to get
a Ms. of ABE SPALDING typed. That we finished last night.
The situation is this that, at Ottawa , they found out I
am beyond the age for Civil Service appointments. And, I
believe, they are glad. I have gone begging and am not going
to beg any longer. I have asked for a position as a lighthouse
keeper, salary $1000. p.a. and have been refused. It was
given to a "heeler".
We have a few thousand dollars at present; and I must make
use of them to find something that will keep us permanently.
Now I want once more to make an attempt in Ontario ; and,
therefore, shall stay there for a month or two. It struck
me that perhaps you still have your cottage and that, probably,
it is rented. But for how long? Would it be possible for
me to rent it when your present tenant leaves? Can a person
stay there till end of October? I mean, will it not be too
cold by that time? If we can get it, we'll leave here whenever
it is vacant: but we must know in ample time. We are selling
out here but retain what we cannot get along without. Before,
then, we can definitely leave here, we must sell the rest:
all except what, in a place like this, is unsalable. Please
let me know as soon as you can.
As for the desk, I shall send it, from here, on Oct. 1,
with the two desk chairs which I had forgotten to mention.
I shall try to sell the bed here; if I can't, I'll ship it
too. I have made arrangements to have these things stored
here till you are sure to be back at your house. (How about
the tea wagon?)
Perhaps you know, too, what the connections are between
Bobcaygeon and Toronto , by train, of course. Can a person
go to town, see people there, and return for the night? I
am willing to let the venture cost me a few hundred dollars;
but, of course, every little thing counts. Toronto is an
expensive place to stay at.
Am glad that you like it there. Hope you are all well? We
are middling. We leave in a week for Sask. , for Mrs. G.
to say good-by to her people; shall be back in three or four
days. That's all, I believe.
As ever,
F.P.G.
