Your favor of the 9th instant was duly received and would have been sooner answered, but that I have been absent from home.

You are right in supposing that it was my expectation when I was with you, that I should be called to Rochester before this time, and that when I was there I intended to visit you. But the Rochester Park Commission has run into difficulties, compelling a temporary suspension of their work, and it now appears probable that I shall not go there for a fortnight to come. We have no idea of making a complete or final plan for your place without another personal conference with you.

Herewith is sent a study for the proposed court yard and other matters near it, in connection with the house, which I should be glad to have you consider. There are some slight discrepancies between the topographical survey and the plan of the architect. In this drawing, the plan of the architect is followed, but as the outline of the veranda and conservatory is not quite consistent with my recollection of the facts, please let me know if, upon examination, you find it substantially verified.

The court yard, as laid down in this study, is a little narrower than I had intended it to be, when on the ground, being adapted to keep within two trees. Unless you consider the horsechestnut and silver maple on the east side of the court yard, as here planned, of considerable value, I think it would be [94]

better to remove both of them, making the court yard by so much wider. I confidently recommend the removal of the trees lying within the lines of the court yard, as laid down in this sketch.

Please return this sketch, stating whether you think the carriage turn would be sufficiently large for your convenience, and making any other criticisms or comments for which you may see occasion.

Yours Truly,