Letter from James Carroll to Jennie Carroll on February 2, 1901

Columbia Barracks, Cuba 

February 2nd 1901. 

My dear Jennie,  

Your letter of Jan’y 30th reached me today with the card from the Insurance Company. I shall not renew the policy for I have not the money. When I can be certain of having some money ahead I may insure my life but not so long as there is any doubt about my being able to pay the premium.   

Dr. Reed and Neate leave here next Saturday on the ward line steamer and they will reach New York on Tuesday. I am sending up a box of books and extra clothing with them because I want to be able to travel without extra baggage besides by grip and trunk. I bought a couple of new blankets to fill up the trunk because I thought they would be needed for the children. I have gotten them on account to be paid for at the end of the month. My wheel will be packed and shipped at the same time and I have asked the man Springer to send the box to the house and open it so that you can unpack it. I shall ask him to take the wheel over too.  

I had my evening suit pressed today and it cost me $2.00. If Reed had packed it in one of his boxes it would have come through all right and I should not have been compelled to have that done.  

Dr. Agramonte asked me today for a copy of a paper containing a report of mine. You will find a box of them in the drawer of my desk. It is entitled “A fifth case of fungus foot” or something to that effect by Dr. D.S. Lamb. Will you send one or two to me in a newspaper wrapper so that I can give it to him? He has invited us to take dinner with him on the evening when my paper is read. It will be read on Tuesday morning so you can look for something in the paper about the time you receive this letter.  

A dance is being held at the post and we can hear the music but I did not care to go over.  

With love & kisses 

Your affect. Husband

  James.