Your uncle’s speeches do not need much “comment.” Most speeches contain one passage which includes the whole.
I fear I shall not be able to visit New York this spring.
Very truly yours,
James Parton.
Newburyport, Mass., April 3, 1889.
My Dear Sir: As often as possible I would insert the bright things where they belong, as they seem to enliven the narrative. If you have an inconvenient surplus, or a number of things undated, you might make a chapter of them, or reserve them for the final chapter. It is a good rule, though only a rule, not to have breaks in the continuity, like the “Bagman’s Story” in “Pickwick.” Readers are apt to skip them, however good they may be in themselves. You have doubtless often done so. A good thing is twice good when it comes in just where it ought. The modern reader is very shy, and easily breaks away from you, if you only give him a pretext.
I merely send my impressions. You alone can really judge.
Very truly yours,
James Parton.