Yates Hotel Joplin, Mo. Mar. 5, 1916
Dear Bess:
This is a very dull Sunday. I am at this hotel waiting for a mill expert to come and tell me how much money to spend on our mine. He was over and looked at our proposition yesterday. We are very much pleased with his opinion. He thought there was $4,000 in waste ore lying immediately around the mill. We have to spend $1,500 to get it, but it will be a paying investment.
My money is in now and I am feeling better over it every minute. After next week the money will begin to return.
When our mill is properly repaired we can grind enough ore to make $1,000 a day (half profit). Some pipe dream that. I have been prowling around trying to find someone who thinks the Eureka mine is a fake but I can't. They all say it's all right only it needs about $3,000 spent on it. We are doing that. I suppose in about ninety days we'll be turning out about $500 a day if present prices prevail. In six months we expect to be on velvet and an income of about $400 a week apiece.
I wish I was in Independence this evening but it can't be done now. I almost came home at noon today but decided to be economical until the $400- a-week days begin anyway.
I suppose you are tired learning of the mine and how much I'm going to make but I've just got to tell someone about it and you're the only one I care to tell. I even tell Jerry Culbertson that I expect to lose all I've put into the blamed thing but I don't expect to—not by a jug full. If the bloomin' thing fails to connect I'll be so disappointed I won't know straight up from crossways. Jerry says the "hinges of destiny" are greased for our door of opportunity to open. Jerry has oratorical ambitions I think.
I'll take a shot at something else if this loses (I have a loose head) and win anyway. You know I've got to win. Hold the thought. I'm going to have the best farm in Jackson County and one in the Pecos Valley for winter with a Pierce Arrow to ride in—and be a rube.
Does that suit you or not?
If you write me at this hotel before Friday, I'll get it. I'll most certainly appreciate a letter.
It's mighty lonesome down here where I know not a soul. I've lots of work to do tomorrow and Tuesday. I'm coming home Saturday or bust a hamstring trying. See you Sunday.
Sincerely, Harry