My dear Sir

Your favor of the 23rd inst. is all I have. I quite agree with you as to desirability of no delay and fully appreciate the work and labor you have gone through to bring the matter to the utmost possible perfection. At the same time I can not at present see my way [clear??] to advancing the $100 asked. Some time ago I requested you to have the Car & Coupler Models sent in Buffalo out to my brother. This you have not done. There are also said to be quite a generality of saw-setts in a more or less complete state of finish. These he was to get. He has been unable to get them. Where are all these dies, models, [??] the boiler feeder etc. All that he has are the patent paper & a seal lock. It would be as well to have all these straightened before you go to England or assume this lucrative position.¹

¹ Isaac had been investing money in Dunn's patents for several years but Dunn's inability to sell his patents for a decent profit caused Isaac some grief and frustration. In late 1883, Dunn had agreed to repay Isaac $600 within six months time or to hand over his patents and related materials as compensation (see W2609 and links). It appears that he failed to do either and consequently Isaac and his brother Calvin Brooks considered suing him (W1734, W1745). For more on Dunn, see W2554a.