not for _my_ benefit either. Their delay
in acting is becoming very suspicious. Their slow, bad management is
_ruining_ every prospect of success. I fear you are only losing your
time in New York, and that I shall be left _in debt_ for what I am owing
the firm. I have written to K. and B., and they do nothing that I
request. I want neither Mr. Douglass nor Garnet to lecture in my behalf.
The conduct in New York is disgusting me with the whole business. I
cannot understand what they have been about. Their delay has only given
the enemies time to _gather_ strength; what does it all mean? Of course
give the lady at 609 permission to sell the dresses cheaper. * * * I am
feeling wretchedly over the slowness and _do-nothing_ style of B. & K. I
believe in my heart I am being used as a tool for party purposes; and
they do not design sending out a circular. * * *

"Your friend,
M. L."

"CHICAGO, Nov. 9, 1867.

"MY DEAR LIZZIE:--* * * Did you receive a letter a few days since, with
one enclosed for F. Douglass? also a printed letter of mine, which I
wished him to read? Do write me every other day at least, I am so
_nervous and miserable_. And Lizzie, dear, I fear we have not the
_least_ chance of success. _Do_ remain in New York a little longer, and
occupy yourself with the sewing of your friends. _Then_ I shall be able
to learn _some_thing about my business. In _your heart_ you know there
will be no success. _Why_ do you not candidly express yourself to me?
Write me, if only a few lines, and that very frequently. R. called up on
yesterday, with Judge Davis. * * * R. goes with Judge D. on Tuesday, to
settle the estate, which will give us each about $25,000, with the
income I told you of, $1,700 a year for each of us. You made a mistake
about my house costing $2,700--it was $1,700. The $22,000 Congress gave
me I spent for house and furniture, which, owing to the smallness of my
income, I was obliged to leave. I mention about the division of the
estate to you, dear Lizzie, because when it is done the _papers_ will
harp upon it. You can explain everything in New York; please do so to
every one. Please see H. G., if it should come out in the papers. I had
hoped, if something was gained, to have immediately placed _you_ in more
pleasant circumstances. Do urge F. D. to add his name to the circular;
also get them to have Beecher's. There must not be an hour's delay in
this. R. is very spiteful at present, and I think hurries u