Received 7-11-92
Answered 14-12-92
s s Gulf of Mexico
Glasgow
21 September 1892
My dear Chris
Yours of 1 August to hand yesterday.
I am awfully obliged for the offer you make, and hope you may be of the same mind on my return. If you are, and really think there is room for me in the business there is not much doubt but what I will come straight out to you.
Unfortunately I ma not coming to the Colonies this time so cannot make the arrangements you mention leaving out there. Anyway I don’t think the company would have cared about me doing it. So when I do come it will be probably as a passenger, unless I see my way clear to working it out. If I do come you must be prepared for rather an ignoramus as regards office work. But still I feel pretty confident that I could soon drop into it and make myself useful to the business.
This life is becoming more irksome every day and what makes it ???? is the not being able to save anything. I have been almost promised promotion next trip to Chief and might yet get it this, but still that would not make me change my mind if we agreed as to coming out.
As I told Alex, the only thing that makes me ???? is the leaving home practically for good. Father, of course knows that it is a splendid chance, but at the same time wishes me to wait a bit and see if nothing else turns up this side. But time is getting on and one cannot let such an offer slip by. So if you will write to me about the middle of February and tell me what you think of it then, and I will try and give you a decided answer. Don’t be later in writing as I must send my resignation in on arrival.
We leave Liverpool 30th inst and go to the West Coast of America. At the outside the voyage will not take more than six months.
I was at home for a few days when in London. They all were well except Father who still feeling the effects of his bout in the ????. He was picking up though and I think will soon get over it.
I have not heard from May for some time, but don’t think there is much chance of her going to America. I have advised her to remain where she is if possible. Shall be glad when you can see your way clear for having her out, and also Mary who seems to be a little discontented at home, and who is trying to get something to do.
Hoping you are both keeping well and with good ????
Believe me, your affectionate Brother
A. G. Elmslie