I arrived here late last night, having taken the journey from Bilt. by easy stages, resting one night at Knoxville, the next at Cincinnati and the last at Indianapolis. Whether because of these rests or because of the change of [211]air, which at Bilt. was damp and sultry and here is dry and frosty, I am decidedly less uncomfortable since I arrived and last night slept better than before for several weeks.

I find here your letter of 11th forwarded from Bilt. Sorry not to find any thing later.

Harry & I had agreed that if they concluded to put the Fair on the West side we wd decline the appointment. That was one point we felt that we ought to consult you upon before taking action. That, however, has been settled as we would have it. Harry was inclined also to decline if they took Jackson Park. But since they have done so, taking also the “Lake Front” it is plain that he has changed his mind. He & Root have been very diligent making studies. Three in succession with somewhat different motives, all preserving essentially what we had reported to be desirable at our last visit. I think well of their last design as a basic general proposition. Harry thinks our footing here pretty firm. At least it is so with the local directors. The Commissioners from States now in session seem disposed to take an interfering & over ruling position. As yet every thing goes as well as we could hope.

I am to attend a meeting of the Com. on Buildg & Grounds this afternoon. As far as I can see now, it will not be desirable that I should stay more than a couple of days.

I reckon this letter will reach you Friday morning and you can telegraph me whether Manning can meet me in Rochester Sunday morning, and I can reply agreeing, if I can, to meet him there then. I am pretty sure that this can be done & so is Harry. But something may occur in the action either of the Commissioners or the Directors to prevent. Harry will remain longer, probably till a survey of the Jackson site can be completed & some approach to definite instructions obtained, as to the principal buildings. When he has this he will return & we will all go at the plan. I shall hope to get it off in time to go to Biltmore again, to meet Mr V. there, 10th to 15 proxo, & then go also to Atlanta. After which again to Chicago. I am afraid another visit to Biltmore will be a necessity. There is a good deal to be prepared about the planting there in the meantime. Which if we travel back together I can advance with Manning on the train from Rochester.

We hate to leave you with so much on your hands but it appears to be necessary. I hope matters are going smoothly—being most anxious about Boston Parks & Twombly.

Affctly