October 1876

Dear friend-

Are you willing to tell me what is right? Mrs. Jackson-of Colorado-was with me a few moments this week, and wished me to write for this-I told her I was unwilling, and she asked me why?-I said I was incapable and she seemed not to believe me and asked me not to decide for a few Days-meantime, she would write me-She was so sweetly noble, I would regret to estrange her, and if you would be willing to give me a note saying you disapproved it, and thought me unfit, she would believe you-I am sorry to flee so often to my safest friend, but hope he permits me-

          _____