.NDg1.NjUw

via [Steamer] America New York 14 August 1863

Dear Fontaine

                      or two

I sent your Aunt [Ann] a week ago a verbatim copy of one of your brother James’ very long letters which I divided into two portions, one of which I desired her to give to you, according to James’ request. –

It was prior to that, that I received on 23 July your letter of one page, written on the 11th July. – You (as well as all England) were then expecting intelligence from this side that Gen[era]l [Robert E.] Lee had captured Phila[delphia] [PA], or Balt[im]o[re] [MD], & Washington [DC], & had dictated the terms of Peace to the North; & were unprepared for the surrender of Vicksbug [MS] & Port Hudson [LA], as I suppose. You wound up your letter thus: - “I think I shall sail for N[ew] Orleans [LA] in Oct[obe]r – late.”

I have been waiting to hear what are your plans, now that the course of events has been the exact reverse of your expec- =tations, but you have not enlightened me. –

Suppose this War should still run on for another year or two, or longer, & that when it ends, it should be, as I expect, though Reunion of No[rth] & So[uth]; - I know not what would be your aim under such circumstances. – But I do know that your present position of an idle gentleman has already lasted far longer than is good for you, or than I ever contemplated; and I think it would have been far better for you if I had many months ago cancelled my instructions to Cropper Ferguson & Co[mpany] to pay you 40\- a week, or indeed any money at all, except you were sick. – With no allowance at all from me I suppose you would find employment of some kind or other adequate to your support. – I have now, therefore, to request that you will at once cease drawing from Cropper Ferguson & Co[mpany] more than 30\- p[er] week, & that after a fortnight you will limit yourself to 25\- p[er] week: - and if you can shortly dispense with all [underscored] aid from me, by being resolved & prepared hereafter to support yourself by your own exertions, it will please very much.

Yours affectionately Rutson Maury.