It was pretty hard to read that writing, because it was so old and kind
of smeary, and it took the three of us to make the letter out. Even we
had to make up some words to fit into places where the creases were. But
anyway, this is what the letter said:
March 7th, 1895
Dear Ann:—
This to tell you how I am robbed of two bags of gold by train
robbers that derailed this train north of Steuben Junction and
have slight injury to arm from bullet of one scoundrel. Two of
our company are here dead, the one being brakeman who received
mortal wound in making brave defence of life and property. This
... that I am lucky not to fare worse, for gentleman of Boston
is here dying while train speeds with all steam for Watertown
where is hospital but ... little hope. There will have wound
dressed and stay if doctors require but no danger. But so this
will delay me in my return I write to say don’t worry, and will
mail in Watertown at latest, but likely in village before as ...
to get doctor.
So I have lost all I have of fortune by this outrage of
scoundrels who I have made to pay dearly, shooting one and
putting end to him as he dropped in his tracks with a mortal
wound. This from car window. This other scoundrel would shoot
back to revenge, his bullet hitting below my window sill and
going through car to my left arm. But I paid him in good measure
with a bullet in his leg, but conductor would not listen to
stopping train after starting so I must be satisfied to let this
scoundrel drag himself in forest with my two bags of my fortune.
This because train must make steam for Watertown to care for
dying. So ... say I am rough diamond but ... human life sacred
even more than gold.
So I will come back to you and home with no riches for all this
work but much love which no scoundrel can steal ... better ...
to be thankful. The best reason I would pay this scoundrel ...
in one of those same bags ... for you to plant. So you will know
how you will now see me again without riches that was the same
as you said and you are right. And now it is over like you say
nuthing but an adventure. I think more about how we can’t have
our bench under our Dahadinee Poplar thanks to these scoundrels.
But I remembered that you said as you can easy see.
So now after such battle with theeving villens as you never see
I am coming home and send this so you do not worry that I must
stop in Watertown even if it is days and with much love.
Thor.