Epistles from Pap | Page 8

sight an income of $1,000 per year. I did not think this high, but
wanted them to know they must expect to live economically, and that I
expected them to depend on their own resources. The limitation I
named was more theoretical than arbitrary, though they both think I
still hold to that; but it depends on where they are to live whether this is
above or below what they would need for the first year or so. They are
becoming restless, and I don't blame them, and to carry out my plans as
to a house requires some little time if they want it ready for their first
home--as I would like to arrange it if advisable.
This has led me to write you, feeling that you and Mrs. Durham should
be consulted, and know just what Mrs. Sawyer and I contemplated, and
to have your approval; also that you think they are not taking an unwise
step, from your point of view, as you know much better what
Greencastle presents as a permanent home for them, and Andrew's
present situation, and what he can reasonably expect in the near future.
Aura May has various pieces of furniture which have been given her

from time to time, and her first piano, which she thinks will be all she
needs for awhile . . . so that it is not the original outlay that need
perplex them. As to the house, I will try and briefly explain.
I contemplate putting up a seven-room house, with . . . living room.. . .
dining room and kitchen for first floor; three bed rooms and bathroom
for second and one room finished in attic. They would not furnish the
smallest bedroom, but use it for sewing room. . . I don't want to exceed
$6,000, including ground, as they don't want to carry a load, and I don't
feel that I can tap my estate too heavily when out of business and
depending on income only. . . I propose to rent this to them at the rate
of $200 for first year, payable monthly if they can do so, and 'til they
can from their income increase the rent to bring me equal to 3% per
year and taxes and insurance, for a period of five years. . . At the end of
five years I would expect they would be able to make it more if I or my
estate needed it, or that they would buy it at just what it had actually
cost me.
If my estate will permit me to do so at that time, or any earlier time if
they wish to buy it, I would expect to give Aura May at least $2,000 of
the value. . . In case of my death I would so arrange that the whole
investment would go to Aura, as part of her share in any of my
estate. . .
I do not expect any guarantee beyond their own ability to do it. So I am
not referring the matter to you for any part in it; but so that you may let
me know if you feel the plan would be beyond expectations from what
you know of matters there, or probability that his position is not
calculated to develop so as to be able to keep up his end or remain in
Greencastle. I do not know how much he is making now, or if you
expect to aid him in any way, and feel that such matters are, and should
be, just as a father may be willing, or can afford; and I always feel that
parents must first consider each other and the needs for advancing age,
no matter how kindly they feel toward their children. . .
But it occurred to me that it was certainly due you that if I calculated
on doing anything which might look as if it would directly or indirectly
put a burden on Andrew and overload him, you should have an
opportunity to judge. . .
Also that you should know what was intended before you might
approve such a step and possibly have in mind some plan for them of

your own, with which mine might conflict.
Or that perhaps you would advise something different, in which I could
cooperate with you. . .
There has been a little hope on their part that there could be a June
wedding; but I know they wish to be governed by your and my
approval. At least from Aura May's remarks from time to time, I feel
that they are perplexed as to whether they would be considered rash or
unwise to even set the time at all, particularly as it appears they have
not come up to my second