Transcribe Fenn, Robert. Letter to Ward, Henry A. (1855-11)

in crossing the ocean are not sufficiently attractive. I am so convinced that I will be compelled to walk or rather poke through this life by faith that if this celebrated Dr were in town I would scarcely think it worth the trouble of paying him a visit except perhaps to gratify friends. Should I be persuaded by this only inducement ever to consent to visit Paris instead of carrying out our plan in its minor details I think I would adopt an idea suggested to me by the manner in which we brought on a couple of canary birds from Hagerstown I would have myself ensconced in an old crockery crate and have it plainly marked "this side up with care" to prevent my being placed bottom side up which I concieve would not be the most agreeable position one could select This being done not forgetting a </s suply > supply of provisions I would have my self consigned to your care and shipped for Havre. Under these favorable circumstances should the steamer go down I would stand a pretty fair chance of floating as is often the case with hen coops which you know are of somewhat similar construction . This plan would I think relieve my friends of all fears they might otherwise entertain of my falling overboard or breaking my valuable neck by tumbling down a gangway besides saving the trouble and expense of attendance. I hope you will not think I intend by these burlesquing remarks to ridicule your plan for although I do not exactly agree with you as to its practibility yet I regard it as an evidence of your kindly interest in me but I have been so </s accostumed > accustomed since the loss of my sight to have some one always with me especially when traveling upon whom I could depend that I could not but regard the idea of my taking such a long journey upon my own responsibility in somewhat of a ludicrous aspect especially as I entertained no serious notion of undertaking it. Although not exactly agreeing with you I however highly appreciate your great kindness in suggesting anything which you thought might possibly be of benefit to me But your still greater kindness in offering your own services as far as was possible in carrying out the plan I hope </s we> ^I^ may at some future time be permitted to thank you personaly and express my sense of obligation. It is barely possible my friends may think it advisable to consult the oculists of Paris by letter. If so I will avail myself of your kind offer. Our usualy quiet down was last Tuesday thrown into considerable excitement by the