February, 1873.

It seems to be my duty whatever course is taken by the Commissioners short of intentional personal insult or placing me in an unquestionably false position (that is, a position which it is impossible for me to sustain and in which my failure must be disgraceful) to remain in their service for some time and make the best of it, first because I shall probably be able if I manage with any skill to have some influence with them and restrain them from going as far wrong as they otherwise would; second, because early action would be generally considered hasty action and its motives misunderstood; third, because I should see works started under my advice—improvements in which I have been specially interested, carried out if possible (my presence and superintendence carrying back [to] the date of their origin); fourth, because I shall be accumulating experience and knowledge and can have access to accurate information which I may want afterwards to use; fifth, because when it is evident that I shall not be able to stay permanently, I can without neglecting immediate duties, be opening my way to my next work.

[596]

The text is taken from a typescript prepared by Theodora Kimball for possible inclusion in Forty Years. It bears Kimball’s manuscript notation, “Mrs. O. thinks unsuitable for publ. July 16/20.”