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September 13th, 1890
Dearest Joseph,
I hope this letter finds you well within your studies at Cambridge. Though your previous letters paint a sure picture of its excellence, my heart still aches to care for that wonderful mind of yours. But alas, I am running short of ink and must make this timely.
As you know, my companions and I find ourselves within the new borders of the Americas, settled along the coast of the Florida Everglades. I cannot in proper taste describe to you what a fount of biological majesty that lies within this wondrous place. To make an attempt is to disregard Mother Nature’s fine craftsmanship, and as an avid researcher of her work, I find it heresy of the highest degree to try.
Instead, I will extend an invitation for you to join my crew and I amongst these wondrous scenes to better relieve the teachings of our greater masses. I am painfully aware through your previous writings that your ailments only seem to further drag you deeper, but it is my deepest hopes that this journey will only aid you.
If you are so amicable to my proposal, then I will send for a ship to carry you at its closest convenience. I wait with bated breath for your next correspondence, my dearest friend. Until the time comes for us to meet once more, I can only pray for your betterment against this most foul illness.
Yours truly,
Robert Scotsfield
September 26th, 1890
Dearest Robert,
How good it is to hear from you once again. I can assure you that my humble mind is well-kept within these studious halls. I have never been one for overdramatics, as you well know, but even I find myself with a poet’s tongue when it comes to the description of this great university.
As for your most gracious invitation, I would find myself the most pitiful fool upon the floor if I was to turn you down. I have already begun jumping through the hoops of my departure for the nearing break upon us students. I can only hope to be at your side at the soonest opportunity that Time allows me. Until then, I have sent with this a book of the particular species amongst the American wilderness that was published recently from the hands of a professor who has been overseeing my tutelage. I have no doubt that it will greatly strike your intrigue.
Until we meet again, I beg you to keep yourself safe. I have heard many tales of savages and barbarians wandering those woods. I fear for your kind heart opening to someone you should best avoid.
Yours sincerely,
Joseph Reddings