Yours of June 8th acknowledging mine of 10th is received. I cannot of course tell whether my later letters will modify your views as there expressed or not.

The letter is satisfactory because candid. It of course is discouraging so far as it touches on your views, and gives me no expectation of any cooperation that will amount to anything. You take the same dreary uphill view that you have habitually done—as I suppose is to be expected. However I shall go on to the end in what I consider the right path so far as my obligations to you are concerned and leave you to decide deliberately.

Then I shall if you say no, do what seems right in regard to other responsibilities that I recognise and you do not and in regard to which we may perhaps entertain different opinions, and you must not expect me to sympathise heartily with the idea of subordinating the general design to the general management. I think it a semi-barbaric idea that you share with others. If you will be Head Artist, so be it—I vote yea. But there are conceivable positions that your views would lead to which I should certainly vote nay to. I think that what you say about Green is unsatisfactory. By assuming the position you did you assumed the responsibility of protecting others & You could not even protect yourself. I wonder that you do not see this. A scheme that can be upset by a Green is sure to be upset, for men of his calibre are to be found everywhere.

I will not pursue this topic now, my letters will explain the circumstances and you will give me your final comment.

No new developments in regard to the C.P. I read your report on Plan with interest, shall look for a copy of the treatise on Cemeteries. I do not perceive the conspicuous deficiency you dwell on.

There can be no doubt that together we are better fitted to take up these matters than anyone else, and that this and what it includes is of vital importance to the progress of the Republic.

I am quite as much a lover of the People as you or any man can be. I show it in my way, You in Yours. To me my views seem as broad and unselfish as yours doubtless do to you and for us to be the means of elevating an unaccredited but important pursuit seems to me a direct contribution to the best interests of humanity. If you think otherwise and prefer to have a something-ship all the time, so be it, but I cannot allow [403]the superiority of your view until convinced. There are plenty of people to write for “The Nation.” Add one more to the number if you will. There are plenty of Gold mines to superintend but who is going to be the better for the Gold.

I have nearly come to the end of the rope—a few more coils and then, the final decision whether to hold on or cut loose.

Mary & the children are at Rondout. We mean to be away in the Adirondack during August.

Tell Mrs Olmsted her welcome letter came to hand. I will answer it soon but am not in the mood today.