April 26, 1916 - Friday night I’ll have the pleasure of riding the goat.

This letter is filled with all sorts of interesting information about government and Joe's involvement with the Freemasons. He keeps up his sense of humor and the news of his life.

Wednesday

Dear Helen,

Tonight our Republican Town Committee holds a special meeting. Tomorrow night the Warden and Burgesses will be addressed at a special meeting by their Borough Counsel on the requirements and needs of the *New City, and what action should be taken preparatory to its inception, especially regarding such municipal problems as taxation, housing, financial system, and organization of various boards. Friday night I’ll have the pleasure of riding the goat, and expect it will be a case of “It’s a Long Way to Tipperary” “Along the Rocky Road to Dublin”. Have made no dates for Saturday evening. Oh yes, I had an opportunity of gong to Richmond and the Pines in Carolina; but since it meant but a few hours stay and a quick trip back, I wasn’t very keen about railroading these days, when it’s impossible to take a little time to do the work properly.

That New York case looks like a settlement. Counsel told me today that they wanted our best figures and they would try to adjust the matter. Guess you’ll have to see “Justice” for a court scene if that materializes.

You intimated a short note would be desirable. Is this short enough?

Sincerely,

Joe
* From what I can figure the city he is speaking of is Shelton, CT. It became incorporated in 1915 and this was most likely part of that history.

The next letter is May 2.

April 25, 1916 - Among the blind, the one eyed man is King

As the letters start to come more often Joe's work also intensifies. He likes to keep Helen abreast of all that goes on in his life.

Tuesday noon

Dear Helen,

Though I intended to write yesterday, matters shaped themselves so that it was impossible to get at it. The Shelton Court kept me busy till 12:30 noon and promptly leaving, on my arrival here I found witnesses in the office for a case to be tried at 2. I skipped lunch to save time thinking that I’d finish about 3 or so and then could have a bite, and prepare for my address in the Episcopal Church at night. Well, the case lasted till 5 o’clock, it took about a half hour for me to don evening clothes and make the Derby train, and it was 8 o’clock before I knew it, and no supper. Well the address to me was fine. It was enthusiastically received; the Hubbard, Wise, Emerson and a few others should share the honors. Still, you know, among the blind, the one eyed man is King. I thought of this because a client with one mazda burned out just came in with a damage claim against a factory for the loss of his tungsten. I must have reduced ten pounds; but nobody loves a fat man.

Sincerely,

Joe

The next letter is April 26

April 6, 1916 - The 7:41 A.M. out of Bridgeport arriving Grand Central 9:16 A.M.

Here is the first of three letters that Joe wrote in April 1916. The thing that struck me about the letter was that he wrote about the train times and that is the same travel time today from Bridgeport, CT to Grand Central Station in NYC.

April 6,1916.

Dear Helen:
I don't know whether to explain now that this is to be a short letter, or just pass it and let you see for yourself.

Your letter this morning said that it contained a funny poem, but you've probably got that poem still on your desk. And so far as the briefs are concerned, I can see now that they will act as very proficient remedies for insomnia. Of course, they could be made more entertaining if Goldberg or Hershfield illustrated them; but I'm afraid our clients wouldn't see the joke, if a decision was handed down against them.

I'll look through the New York papers tonight to read about the French play, and in advance I can imagine it must have been a success.
The 7:41 A.M. Saturday out of Bridgeport looks likely now, arriving at Grand Central about 9:16, and if it's on time, shouldn’t be more than a few minutes late, as a friend of mine would say.

I had a good laugh. Williamson just informed me that he became tired of waiting for me to go, so he went and has already returned from the south. What do you think of that? Ish K. Abibble.
Sincerely,


Apparently he did not sign this letter.

The next letter is April 25.