Terrell to his wife, April 4, 1895

Constantinople April 4, 1895 My dear Wife --

Your letter of the 13th April came yesterday and brought the continuing good news that you were alive and well. It seems that you had not received a letter which must have reached you a few days after. I am now reconciled to the idea of remaining alone until fall. Your ideas on this subject are good -- it is better than to quit here now just about even. I should save something. Indeed I (from a money stand point) can do better at home, then, than to stay here -- so it seems to me -- For here I cannot write except on business. It is only with head tired with the labors of the day that I can find time at night to keep up any little correspondence. Thus I cannot find time for that reflection so necessary to write any thing like a book. But I should not quit now.

That newspaper account of my going home should not have deceived you, for you

would be more apt to know the truth than the newspapers. I am distressed about the dry times for farmers at home. It means ruin if it has con= tinued. What then would become of our helpless people? It seems to me anyhow like the whole world is getting out of gear! The excitement about silver money will just destroy all confidence, and keep back all enterprise, no matter how good the crops are.

Your thoughtfulness about my income was well, but I presume you were permitted to deduct expenses! if so there was not much tax to pay -- I am also glad to hear that my fine colt will not be ruined. Just take and drive the oldest one yourself and give your horse a pasture rest? Make someone get her perfectly steady and then drive her -- but dont let anyone else touch the rains{sic}. Let the trainer show you how he holds her in driving, + then you will have something fine, if she is properly groomed. She ought to pass them all.

I think I will get off Wednesday to inspect my Consulates -- Smyrna -- Beirut -- Alexandretta -- Mersine -- Jaffa (the old Joppa) -- Jerusalem -- Alexandria + Cairo

I wanted to go down the Red Sea to Hadida but it will be too warm and I have not the time. I believe I told you that the Government pays my transportation expenses.

When I return, unless you telegraph that you have concluded to come, I will go and rest at some cheap place in Switzerland for from 30 to 60 days, for I assure you, that though stouter and heavier, than I have been for 6 years I need rest. The confinement and mental strain has been continual

I have obtained the Marswan Irade. I wrote to Dr Wright about it last night. I was much astonished at it, for I had about despaired.

I am glad Lena turns out happy + domestic -- it is natural that you should dislike to leave her now. Everything here is quiet on the surface; but no one can tell what may turn up at any time -- nor does any one yet know the scheme of reforms that the powers will present for the Christian provinces in Armenia.

Riddle has returned, + I sent him direct to Brousa to examine about a naturalized German-- American who died there in jail -- he returns tomorrow.

When I return I intend to get just as quiet a place as I can to save the point of respectibility{sic} and save money --

{written perpendicular to the text along the left and top left margins of the sheet:} I find my mind clearer + capacity for work better than in two years. I sometimes wonder only I did not realize how very much my mental force was impaired all those years by pain and disease. I realize it now; + when a day of pain comes I dont try to work. I was much(?) in pain when at home last summer -- more than I confessed.

For the next thirty days while inspecting, I can live as cheaply on shore as here, + the Govmt pays my traveling expenses. Hope you received the box all safe. You will doubtless laugh at the historical rubbish, but it all has its associations. I know you did not laugh at the fine rug that I said you should hang on the wall. Write me if you think Hancock or any one else has one. So fine -- woven with the hand or worked they say, all of it. The Greek inscribed stone will find few appreciative admirers in Austin. Judge Gould - Wooldridge - Judge Townes {unclear name} + Walter. (Perhaps Thad if he can get his thoughts off of speculating long enough to admire it) Judge Walker more than any. Well, is it not strange that in our town those are about all I can think of to appreciate such a find! Here it was visited to be gazed at by almost every one in the English colony. I got your photo, -- the old one is the best.

Well my dear wife I cant tell just how any of our plans may work out. A good Providence may permit me to live and return home to enjoy with you a quiet sun set. That sun set is not far off with either of us. I am trying to do some good here. I know that I have done some good, and so, I feel that my coming was not in vain. All that we can either of us do, is to secure the approval of conscience in the effort to meet the responsabilities {sic} of our existence, and leave the future to the Master.

God keep you. Affectionately A. W. Terrell.