Transcribe Bement, C.S. Letter to Ward, Henry A. (1904-08-25)

I must hold myself in readiness. So you see I am not in a position to make any engagements much as I would like to enjoy your society in voyagant. In passing up the Hudson, I thought of old Bailey and wondered how the following questions might be answered. How much longer is he going to live? How much money does he owe Prof. Ward? How many more times shall I have to say no! - no!! - no!!! to his requests for loans? Has he paid Mr. Schernikow what he owes him? Has he labelled his meteorites ? &e &e I am sorry for him, but do not wish to be one of his (unsecured) creditors. Like you, I say "poor Preston". He was a good fellow with probably only one enemy, viz - himself. It is fortunate that his wife had so much foresight - a rare quality, all the more to be prized on that account. I wonder who will be elected to take his place in the Rochester Establishment? In coming from Westport to this place I scanned the stone piles, but strange to say I saw no meteorites ! OI one should happen to fall in the neighborhood during my stay I shall endeavor to secure it for you - with full description of all the phenomena visible, or otherwise, connected with the event. Yours as ever C. S. Bement