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"My Dear Mae,

You don't know how sorry I am that my US tour has never come off,

I really thought it would at one time, but after communication with father

he persuaded me that I had not enough money to carry me through 3 months

and he didnt think it worth my while to go for less time. You see, as I am

earning nothing yet (though I hope to begin at Christmas) I have to depend

entirely upon him for funds, and it would be rather hard on the others that

I alone should be enabled to go such a long way and not some of them too, so

I shall have to wait till I have made my fortune. (Unintelligible) by way of

Rotterdam, Cologne, up the Rhine to Marantz France (unintelligible) and diligence

to this place. There is much a lovely air here, if I don't get well I don't

deserve to. They are all Germans and (unintelligible) at Mrs. Persimon except

and American lady Mrs. Segira and her young daughter who keeps the place

lively enough. The house looks west on fir covered hills sprinkled with snow,

and south up the valley with grand views of mountains in the distance. I have

been very unlucky with weather up till now, as it has rained every day since

being here though not continuously, and it's exceedingly cold at times. I am

trying to study German but get on very slowly. I like the language better than

French. I don't know how you have your meals in America, but he times here

are most extraordinary, breakfast is from 8:30 to 9 o'clock, which is

reasonable enough, but dinner is about 12:15 A.M. tea at 4, and supper at

7 o'clock. If this letter is very disjointed you must excuse me as the young

American goes on jogging me as she doesn't wish me to write. Edward has been

awfully unfortunate for his holiday as directly he got to Brighton he had

his teeth out and before he had recovered from the effect he got pleurisy,

that is nearly 3 weeks ago and he is still in bed but much better, for a

fortnight mother and Mary sat up all night with him, one reason I came ahead

directly at the beginning of my holiday is because they don't want me at

home till E. is able to get up which I hope will be before the end of holiday.

Aug. 17th today is perfect, lovely, the sky a deep blue and not a cloud to

be seen, the 1st day there has been without rain. Yesterday afternoon we

took the diligence to a place about 3 miles off called (unintelligible) and

then walked to a lake near on which we went in a boat and in the evening

walked back home. Now that I have passed my last exam I can get admitted

as a Solicitor when I like but don't think I shall till next year as it

cost much a lot, and also next year I can take my M.A. Degree if I like

but as that cost at least £20 I don't know if I shall. I expect I shall

be leaving London after Christmas, and shall try to get a clerkship after

that in the country by which we professionally understand any place but

London. I hope for your sake people are beginning to fall sick, but

(unintelligible) will be a good time before you get together a large practice.

I had meant to go on to Geneva to finish my holiday and see some American

friends there, but I hear it is very close there in summer and this place

suits me so well that I think I shall stop here for the whole of my 3 weeks,

my lodging and board (very good too) here only costs 35 francs a week, i.e.

7 dollars I suppose. Please let Aunt Sarah know how sorry I am no to be coming

to see her this year, and give my relations you may see my love.

Your very after (?) cousin,

Walter J. Douglas"