My dear Brother,

After various migrations here I am again, busted and somewhat in debt; to my horror I find during my absence father has been at his favourite game of investing, so I've got to let my obligations go till the division of our half year's business in the firm; and I cannot send you the full $100. for a few days yet. All the money I could raise: $80.: I sent; & thought you would prefer that now than to wait another week, when I'll try to send you the $20.00.

I was disappointed very much, as was Mary, at your not being here at the wedding.¹ However we look forward now to the pleasure of seeing you in the fruit season. We went to Montreal, Quebec to the sea side near Portland; thought that was quite far enough south. I do not want to visit N.Y. till winter time, when next I go there, so that I may form some idea of city life in the season.

I tell you what, Calvin, it seems a new life away from the jargon & jangling of what was home. Father tells me Mrs. McQ. has behaved pretty well: once in a while a little bother about altering his will to suit her; aside from that pretty quiet. She tried to put her nose into affairs at my house during my absence. When I tell you how nicely Christie endured her you'll be amused.² A lot of work has accumulated during my holidays & now I've got to make up for it. When I send you the balance of money I'll write you more.

Have you been successful in the berth you were looking for [?] [?] line? In less than a week you'll hear from me.

Sincerely your brother

I.B. McQuesten

¹ Isaac Baldwin McQuesten and Mary Baker were married on June 18, 1873. Each had sent several letters to Calvin Brooks inviting him to their wedding but he did not attend. See W1380, W2408.

² Mrs. McQuesten was Isaac's and Calvin Brooks' stepmother, Elizabeth Fuller McQuesten, who was ill-tempered and demanding. She often demanded money and became enraged if her husband did not comply. Furthermore, she had apparently expected Dr. McQuesten to leave her Whitehern and most of his assets but Isaac and his then law partner, William Proudfoot, drew up documents to secure Dr. McQuesten's property and ensure that Elizabeth could not pressure him into changing his will. See W-MCP5-6.351.

Christie was a servant working at Whitehern at during this period. She is mentioned in W2413 and other letters.