First, can’t you make some arrangement, while you are at this end of Cuba, to receive a Yankee newspaper by mail; say to the address of Don José Blain, or some Havana address. If you can arrange it that it is not stopped, I will send you papers regularly; say the little “Boston Herald,” small, soon read, democratic, patriotic, or others, from time to time....
As to collecting still, I should say, Yes, go on, in a gradual and cheap way, i. e., do not make very heavy outlays, as long as you are in the country; at least till next summer. For we cannot get the war done until late next spring (except in Texas).
If you can do as much for western as for eastern Cuba, it will be a good thing....
Meanwhile I have money enough for you, if you can only get it....
But how can you get it at present rates? Or how can I get it to you? If greenbacks would pass there as here, it would be easy enough.
Is there not some Yankee product that I could ship to you that Blain or Lescaille wants, sewing-machines, agricultural implements, chairs? So we might save the loss on exchange. I will send you anything, from a mouse-trap to a wheelbarrow!
You have a letter from me which must have reached you soon after yours of October 25, saying that my last was eighty-five days old! Indeed, you ought to have had it then....
TO CHARLES DARWIN.
January 27, 1863.
I have been far too busy to write letters; have been interrupted, too, by visitors, etc....