Worcester Oct 15. 1866

I write so soon my dear friend after the receipt of your welcome for us, in the hope of finding you at home (where you were to attend to your throat for a little time;) rather than to be laid on the pile waiting indefinitely for your return. Do I pray you take the time to rest, and recover from the unwonted strain you have imposed on yourself. "A stitch in time you know saves nine" in this sense as well as any other.

It is so kind of you to wish to assist us in coming to some conclusion, how we shall best shape our future—During W^m's connection with this school it has been his constant care, to become so conversant with the routine & detail

of such an the Institution that he might if circumstances should so direct, be able to take charge of something perhaps similar It was one thought we had in moving up here, that it would give me op^t to learn, and not impossibly we might someday be merged in this, or some other like establishment. Our experience however, very soon showed me the fallacy of any "great expectations" here, or even the desirableness of such a thing

Mr Metcalf is a man wholly devoid of any moral principle which shall conflict in any way with his making money. In hiring this Rebel Colonel he did take one thought wether it would injure his school, he could see no higher than that; and resolving to run the risk gave out that Colonel Gabrowsky chancing to be at the South, & "Arms being his profession went into the War, not caring a straw wh. side beat." In Wm's communication to Mr Metcalf asking to be relieved from service he spoke of Colonel G. as "possessing doubtless many good qualities, but a soldier of fortune who by his position" sharpened many swords" against us, & as being unfit for such association in a N. England school &^c &^c

For some reasons of his own (I think to get power over him in some way) Mr M. showed Gabrowsky my letter more than a week ago, having first exacted a promise from him, that he would not let Wm know it. The expression "soldier of fortune" incensed him he burned with it a whole week, & then went to Metcalf & told him, he should go to Mr Gaine. So to day he relieved himself by telling him his charge in him "was a lie," &^c his interests were with the south, he held property there, property in the peculiar Institution how he had never received any pay for his services—he had fought & been wounded, you may call me a Rebel—a damned Rebel, but you shall not call me a solider of fortune' &^c—Well, tho' I confess I respect him the more for having maintained & now acknowledging & defending it still I don't think the people of this Commonwealth will be likely to do so, & Mr Metcalf will find in the long term his policy is like Andy Johnson, unpopular. But again as to ourselves

If I draw the "Crosby Opera House" in which I hold one share and have one chance out of 210.000, We could then afford the risk of starting & building up a school as it is the impossibility of Insurance against pecuniary disability makes such a project seem at least doubtful—If some man who had money wanted just such a person as Wm to carry into operation such a scheme, he would be just the one to do it—But wether he could for himself be successful is a question—You see we have nothing to live on while we are waiting to get established—and at this season, arrangements have been matured, for the year, pupils entered &^c leaving little for those who should start now. We stand with open hearts waiting to be directed neither of us are dispirited or fearful for the future. We feel confident that we are right, and "when saw I ever the righteous forsaken or his seed begging bread?" The way will I am sure open for us—somewhere, accept dear friend from us both many thanks for your kind interest for us—

I would be glad to know more of Charles' marriage, I fear it is not agreeable to you. I am surprised to hear of the other boys in Colorado. I hope they may do well. You do not speak of the Grand baby. I trust she is a pleasure to you. I shall be anxious to know if your throat improves. I have a friend who lives in Missouri who was to see us last week. She says I am to visit her between now & next mid summer So if that prove true, I shall see your nice House, and its improvements which its Masters hand has bestowed. Indeed if I get the Opera House, I shall go at once to arrange about
that—I must tell you a plan we have for next summer

*It is to go to Greenwich and encamp on the shore of Naragansett Bay—Several friends will join us, and you must be of them—will not you? Let us "drive dull care away"—& imagine for a moment what good times, fishing &^c &^c &^c Well—we know not what a day may bring forth—Let us eat & drink for tomorrow we die.

Always truly

Martha W. Greene