Transcribe Ward, Henry A. Letter to Orton, James (1856-01-10)

little contact with the world, but that little affords me an insight into the French customs & character which is often productive of sadness even to a depression of spirits, and I sometimes wonder that a nation so wicked can be at all blessed. I at times think that I ought not be living in such a second Sodom and, when I remember how different all is at home, I feel as if I must return. How long I shall stay in Europe I can not tell. I could spend another year in Paris very profitably & sometimes my studies seem on some accounts, to absolutely demand it. But the expense is such that I shall not stay longer than Mr. Wadsworth continues to meet my expenses. I shall then probably try to borrow money to travel a little in France Germany & England and then return to America. This last event may quite possibly take place during the coming summer, and, as the subject is in a measure, common to us, I will tall you why. Mr. W. only offered to meet my expenses for a year or 18 months, both of which are now past He mentioned in his last that his purpose was to meet my expenses "on an economical basis, for 18 months," and I am sure that the last member of the sentence was intended to be understood. I should not therefore be surprised at any time to receive notice from him that my credit