Transcribe Lucas, Frederic A. Letter to Ward, Henry A. (1880-09-11)

Mr. Scott will consider that I am making too much if I say $1200. for the first year & $1500. for the second? Or $500. for the first six months $600. for the second and $750. for the third if no services were satisfactory. On the one hand I do not wish Mr. Scott to think that I am over-estimatimg myself, while on the other I wish to make it clear that I do not wish a mere exchange of places, but an advancement. In this matter I shall be greatly obliged for your advice. In regard to William I do not see why he can not be spared at almost any time now . It will interrupt the M. C. W. work in any case, as Bouvier's box has just arrived. I send the box of skins to you at New York, although I am sorely tempted not to do so, for you surely do not realize the size of it. It would be an awkward thing to take under your arm. The Apteryx will not be dry enough to get off until next week. Martens comes up on Monday. He said he had considerable to do at home this week. There is one other matter I would like to settle. My glass eyes have worked down to $200. or a little less & I would like to turn them in gradually for work and specimens. There is now due you for work on S. A. specimens about $30., but this is not paid you until, specimen is sold, by our contract. This could be squared up at one in this way & the whole matter settled without any money being used.