Rochester, N.Y.

Aug. 3^d 1875

Dear Father,

Your letter found me confined to my bed with chills and fever. I have acknowledged my faults to you over and over again, but that I have been dissipated I deny. My losses mainly have secured from making bad investments and not in dissipation. Had I been dissipated you would surely have known it before this.

During eight years residence in Washington I have had two gatherings in my house—two only, and I believe that Hollinsworth partook of my

hospitality on both these occasions.

I suppose everybody to whom I am indebted any sum hearing that I am out of the city will run wherever they may think the best place to get their money.

I bought of Mr. Moses the furniture man, about $100 worth of furniture, and have been paying him monthly. I now owe him a balance of about $15. I informed his clerk a few days before coming away that I would settle with him on my return it being a small bill. I feel safe in promising him that much. I have been sick nearly every day I have been here which has delayed me in getting settled. Through Nathans advice I have rented a house at No. 8 Comfort St so as

to be convenient to the school. Nathan has been kind enough to promise that he would drop in and see how my folks are getting along during my absence. I feel keenly the losses you have met, and more keenly because I am responsible for some of them I could not feel worse than I have felt during the past year. Everything has been said to me that could be said keeping it fresh before me that I had erred. Many things justly said and many that were unjust and my determination alone to shake off this load is all that has kept me up. Some of the very ones before whom I have used my money to assist, are now among those who would be the last to lend me a helping hand. I shall not go on to speak of it no more as it will not lessen my burden. Nathan and Rosetta are looking for you here about the 10. I shall remain here until about the 20^th. I am trying to break up the chills and fever. It is quite cool here cool enough evenings for an overcoat, and during the day too cool to be without thick clothing.

I did not believe that you had said what Hollinsworth had attributed to you as saying. I told you however that you might weigh some of the statements made concerning me. I never sought Hollinsworth or Libby both came to me makeing fine offers if I would assist them. Mr. Libby in getting his claim increased and Hollinsworth in buying Teachers claims. Both profited largely through my assistance and I am the heaviest loser.

Love to all Aff. Yr. Son

Chas. R. Douglass