Unsigned, but concluding with a small sketch of a raven or a cat.
Dating: See Letters from the Raven.
Written on Cincinnati Commercial stationery.
Part of a collection of correspondence between Lafcadio Hearn, Ellen Freeman, and Henry Watkin. Letters are described in individual catalog records; see collection level record for more information.
Apologizing for failing to call, and blaming his journalism career. Thanking her for the books, which he thought were only a loan, and describing the works on his shelves (including Balzac, Gautier, Swinburne, Poe, Rabelais and Aldrich). Discussing his life, noting that he is "not unfortunate," though he has "done everything" to make himself so. Promising to confide his "oddities" at some future date, and instructing her to "not pity or feel sorry" for him. Hoping to visit her farm, and intending to write to her in Philadelphia. Discussing his lack of faith.