7 June, 1870
The Mighty Richardson
Richard Glotnik
c/o Rigby's Amazing Circus
Box 7
Coram, NY
Rich,
I’m certain that my sending you two letters in one week has given you quite a start. Haha. I am simply writing a brief message for two reasons.
First, I have fully discovered that all of London, if not all of England, is loony. And apparently me right along with it. Dr. Wilson and company seem to be doing their best at what seems to be important work.
Second, since I can't be there in person. Enclosed is more than enough for the drink I owe you concerning our bet. It was actually less than one week before I was standing on a stage again. Although it was in service of my employment and way too strange a story to elaborate. The real surprise to me, however, was that it was my first speaking performance ever. And not one reviewer in any paper mentioned it. Just as well, though, the critics savaged every bit they did choose to mention. And for good reason.
I hope all is well with you, your savage beasts, and your lions also. Haha.
Cheers,
Seamus
8 June, 1870
Mrs. Katherine O’Flaherty
1832 Washington st.
Boston, Massachusetts
USA
Dear Mother,
I hope and pray that this is the letter that you choose to open rather than another that Molly may later retrieve from the dustbin. Should you be further interested she will have most of the rest saved, but most will start out like this one. I love you and I miss you terribly. However, my only great regret in the path that I have chosen for myself is the rift it has caused between you and I.
I have heard many bits of wonderful news from Boston. I have heard about a clock tower being built on the west end, is that finished? I hear that they are still trying to fill the back bay, though I doubt that will ever be finished. Most importantly, I have heard that James has provided a fine house to live in on the south end. I am delighted that his hard work has made him such a grand success and that you are all well looked after.
I am currently in England. Despite my location,
you might actually consider my latest pursuit more respectable.
I am currently escor guard protecting
a particular American interest for one Mr. Caleb Stein and his
business associates. I have found this situation to be more important
than at first glance. I also have a deeper understanding of something
you told us growing up. Magic is indeed afoot.
Although I know that you still will not approve, I may yet return to boxing or exhibitions here in London. There are certain people here in Europe that are trying to restore boxing to near equal respectability as professional wrestling. I must again say that not all sporting men are evil and that circus people are not in allegiance with the devil. Although recent experience may suggest that some of those things may be true of those in musical theatre.
Your son,
Seamus Michael
8 June, 1870
Mr. James O’Flaherty
1832 Washington st.
Boston, Massachusetts
USA
Dear Jimmy-boy,
Received your latest letter yesterday. Thank you for the news. It’s always grand to hear from you. Tell everyone I miss them dearly.
Enclosed is the last payment on the house. I dare say that I’m greatly relieved there is no more to pay because I am finding that my new assignment for B.F. & C. Stein and Company appears to leave me little time to stage the sporting comeback that I’d planned.
Remember that if you decide to do a mortgage burning party to make sure that Mum doesn’t see my name on the papers, or she’ll likely burn the house down instead. I know that you never liked this arrangement, but if she hasn’t come around by now, I fear she never will. She needs to believe in her good son, Jimmy. I had the means and I couldn’t let any of you spend another day in that Fort Hill slum. Take good care of Mother and the rest. And I imagine you and your lovely bride will be filling one or two of the extra rooms with babies before I know it.
Your brother,
Seamus
Frivolous things I must endeavor to accomplish
Buy more linament
Dr. Wilson pursues composer, Lt Wooster and Mr. Cuthbert look for dancing girls. See if anyone needs to protect their investment in Mr. Cuthbert or Lt Wooster.
Find gymnasium. Try to find if sporting events are more lucrative.
Find artisans needing models.
Gently suggest to Mrs. Cuthbert that should a demon asks where her sacrifice emblem is and I might say something like “It was in a bucket of water” that I may just be entirely aware that it wasn’t in the bucket of water.
Profusely thank Mrs. Cuthbert for removing curse from said emblem before said demon asked where it was.
Ask very politely if either of the magic ladies can teach me anything.
Politely ask Mr. Samalin how he trained for such speed.
See if I can find a flask as nice a Lt. Wooster’s in a shoppe that actually lists their prices or doesn’t give strange answers when you ask for them… Figure out what the shoppekeeper was raving about. I have to ask because the price isn’t listed but if I have to ask I can’t affo--
Go punch shoppekeeper in the gob.
Find out if there’s another loony that
occasionally accompanies Edward or if I’m just seeing things
out of the corner of my eye.
Proceed to Contractural obligations
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