Transcribe Ward, Henry Levi. Letter to Ward, Henry A. (1882-01-13)

[page 3] definite authority in regard to office of general superin- -tendant of buildings. Before that, the position was incumbered with a great amount of "red tape."

       It was almost as hard to get an appropriation from

the coffers of this establishment; as it would be to pass a bill through Congress.

       Relative to my office. The drain-well in the cellar

is a horrible institution. Despite any efforts to make the cover air-tight, and draining it out every three or four weeks, the sewer gass floods the house.

       It was a great mistake locating it in the cellar.

If it was necessary to have such an arrangement, it might have been put somewhere in the back yard.

       I am still trying to obviate this nuisance - and hope

that I will soon succeed.

       Frank seems greatly inclined to lameness. Last week

his shoulder inflamed and he went quite lame, but under the care of Mr. Forrest he has entirely recovered.

       Grandfather is growing old, it seems to me, quite

rappidly. He walks around and reads as he used to, only not as much of either. Very trivial matters are sufficient to excite him.