[Headlines from The New York Times (page 1, above the fold) to place the letters in context of the world around them.]
HARDING PROGRAM NOW TAKING SHAPE EXCEPT ON CABINET
Month of Conferences Has Developed Policies on Peace Plan and Domestic Problems IRISH PARLEYS REACH DEADLOCK ON HOME RULE ACT
The Osborne Company
New York Chicago London
OSBORNE ART CALENDARS
“Wait for the Osborne Man”
General Offices and Works
Newark, N.J.
Jan. 10-11 p.m.
Avoca, N.Y.
My Darling:
I was disappointed in not getting a letter from you at Cohocton this morning, but was glad to get your
dear letter here this afternoon, the one written Thursday. It did me good. You speak of sending the girls' letters to next town, but you didn't say which one. Hope I get them. I got a telegram from Co at Bath this morning. Don't know how they know I was to be there. I didn't tell them. Am sending telegram. It's fine that [John’s brother] Frank had such a splendid day and hope he is still having fine business. I got a slow start this morning. Cohn promised to see me early this morning and after waiting for him from eight until nine he said he couldn't possibly see me. He is getting ready for a big sale Thursday. If you know what kind of a coat [son] Frank ought to have, you may write Mr. Cohn (M. Cohn and Sons, Ltd) and ask them to send on a couple for your selection. Tell his weight, height, age, chest measure, color and style of coat desired. Do as you think best. The sale starts Thursday and your letter would reach them just before sale. I'll leave it all with you.
I have orders as follows for today $29.40, $35, $37.16, $33.25, $136.70 and $18. My banker at Cohocton had bought. Their order last year was $202. This year I got a little order for $35. If I could have had this order and Cohn’s, I would have had a good day. It is late and I must go to bed. I dissipated a little this evening and went to Masonic Lodge meeting.
I was glad to get assurance of your love. I need it! Some things worry me a little.
Lots of love,
John
Telegram:
NEWARK NJ JANY 6 1921
JOHN A BRIGGS
TRY HOTELS AND GENERAL DELIVERY BATH NY
CHEER UP NOTHING CAN HOLD OSBORNE MEN THIS YEAR FRANK FIVE ORDERS OVER SIX HUNDRED MONDAY ALBERT GUNNISON AND WILKINSON THREE THOUSAND WEDNESDAY AM SURE YOU WILL BE WITH VICTORS
AS USUAL BEST WISHES
WILLIAM SEELY
Editor's notes
I think it was mean of The Osbourne Company to send the telegram heralding the success of the other salesmen to John when he is clearly struggling. However, it may have been sent to rah-rah the salesmen on to bigger sales.
John says he "dissipated a little" by going to the Masonic Lodge. We don't use the word "dissipated" much these days to mean to engage in a bit of folly but the term was more widely used at the beginning of the Century.
dis·si·pat·ed /ˈdisəˌpādəd/ Learn to pronounce
adjective
adjective: dissipated
(of a person or way of life) overindulging in sensual pleasures. "dissipated behavior"
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