Spencer Heath Archive

Item 2904

One of a number of drafts, over several years, of letters to Miss Holm, this one, penned, included in the Archive because it appears to give the name of the Admiral for whom Marie was secretary.

April 7, 1897

 

 

Dear Miss Holm;

I noticed in the paper that Admiral Ramsay had been retiring from active service, and wondered before receiving your letter if it would not be a matter of great regret to you. I do hope Captain Crowninshield, who I believe is to be his successor, will prove as desirable a superior (officially) as Admiral Ramsay whose simple expression of his appreciation of your worth must have been very gratifying. I don’t wonder that you feel sad as you seem to be from the tone of your letter.

 I scarcely wish to express my opinion of your efforts as a preacher for fear my words will sound conventional. I would much rather leave it for the present, at least, to your intuition. I’m sure you can divine it better than I can express it.

 The pain in your head I hope has not continued much longer. I did not know that you were suffering Sunday.

 I’m sure you should feel no regret from letting me return home Sunday noon. I did not think of doing otherwise at the time and my new shoes suffered no greater damage I’m sure than you say your dress did.

 I took a walk this afternoon in a new direction along the rocky and romantic borders of a picturesque creek where I gathered some arbutus and other things a few specimens of which you may like if you can forgive the crudeness of the gift.

Sincerely,

William S. Heath