L[ydia] Maria Child ALS to [Ellis Gray Loring?], January 7, 1855

Wayland, Jan. 7th 1855.

Dear Friend,

I received Father's note, and delivered
your message; to which the old gentleman replied, "He is a
generous critter. Tell him I thank him." I am not disappointed
concerning the Preston mortgage. When the old man told me he
had made the loan, I expected it would prove a total loss.
He is not fit to transact business; but he cannot be convinced
of it. If he had asked George Stearns's advice before he lent
the money, he would have guarded him against such imprudence;
but unfortunately, he asked it after the deed was done.

Mr. Child is going to write to Crichtlow, to ask him
to state definitely what he meant by his letter; what he intends,
and what he wanted to effect by that letter. For my own
part, I dislike so much to be plagued with threatening and
forcing payments, and it is so contrary to my habits not to
know what I have to rely upon, in the way of income, that I
must say I feel disposed to get rid of a man who has proved
himself so unpunctual. The prospect of business relations with
him for ten years to come is not pleasant. However, I will do
as you think best about it.