Transcribe Hornaday, W. T. Letter to Ward, Henry A. (1883-02-23)

Mr Colgate, and if you see him, </u please put in a good word for us, > We will need it badly before we get through, and I know you will see the extreme desirability of our having it as a gift. If you have to advance any funds I promise that it shall be returned before any other debts are paid. But if we get something from Mr Colgate </u we > won't need to put up a margin. </u I > for one am too poor to do it.

    Now for an </u important > matter, I </u rejoice >

that you are in New York, for it will save me another dreaded trip. We are in trouble about our Hall. We </u must > have Masonic Temple Hall because

    1st It is fire proof, & will greatly influence
             our getting specimens from C. P.
    2nd It is the right size, & in exactly the
              right place. (23rd St. opp Booth's Theatre)
    3rd  Dr Holder & Prof B. say it will be an
              </u immense >  advantage  to us to have that
                as it will give an aristocratic </u tone > to
               the Ex. which "Lyric Hall" could </u not > give.
     4th  Mr Colgate made a special note of.       
                the fact that it was the intention
                to secure Masonic Hall if possible.
     5th.  The rent is low, </u if we can get them
                 to take the seats up. >