Transcribe Lucas, Fred A. Letter to Ward, Henry A. (1883-11-08)

ybg Washington, Nov 8/83

                        "   14

Dea Prof. Ward.

    Enclosed is a list of all

specimens in which I have an interest. I have no account of any sales since Jan / 81 or rather since Aug of that year when Iguana skeleton 2006 was sold. I tried to get a statement last year of the condition - cleaned, mounted or sold - of each specimen but you were all busy. Please let me know now how they stand and perhaps we can make some arrangement by which I can get out. Please return the list to me when you are through for although I have another bearing your signature it yet does not give the cost of mounting or cleaning. Naturally I too was annoyed - to put it mildly - at the enforced lending of my guns. Of course you were in no wise to blame as you were doing me a favor, but I can't help feeling that you </u were > to blamer saying nothing to me last August. You might at least have given me the benefit of the doubt and asked if I had more than one gun. I did not go up to Henry's room - there being no occasion - and even had I, I should never have missed the gun and rifle from the box, unless indeed I </u borrowed > the box also. Although the tour cost me $200. yet I use them so little that I hate to fling good money after bad by having to get out a unit of repleoin, as it will cost about $30. It is a question whether to do <./u that >, go halves with Wheeler or let the things go to thunder. Pending the course of