Augusta County: J. D. Imboden to John McCue, October 7, 1860
Summary:
Imboden, who has been sick, discusses finances and a loan he helped secure for John
McCue.
Oct 7. 1860
Staunton
Dear John.
I would have written to you before now but I have been sick for two or three days.
When I came home I fortunately met with your father, and talked over your affairs with him, and put at him to advance you $500. I did this for two reasons--first because I thought it was right--and secondly because I found it would be a difficult matter for me to spare the 500$ from the source I expected--or rather a doubtful matter for me to get it. Your father mentioned the stringency of money matters with him--and did not see [unclear: well here] he was to do it. I then proposed to advance $250 and that he should advance a like sum. He at once agreed to do this. The money to be sent you one day this week before I leave. We parted with that understanding.
On yesterday I was down street a little while & met him again--He told me that after
going home he thought over the matter--and as tight as money was with
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him he had
determined to lend you the whole amount himself--not as a Loan as I had proposed, but as an advancement--That that sum would do you more good now than would the
amount hereafter--I told him I had no doubt of it and approved heartily what he proposed to
do--So this matter is off your shoulders--I also named the Alec. Wills matter to him--but that
is out of his power--and I cant see how that can be arranged--I wish it could for it would make
you $600 very easily--But you will have to let it go unless you can strike some old fellow with
money who will advance it and divide profits with you.
I have been unwell more or less ever since I came home--and for the two last days confined to the house with the same complaint I had in [illeg.]--It got a great deal worse--On Friday I sent for Dr. Baldwin who has put me nearly all right again. I hope by tomorrow to be entirely well--
I found a letter here awaiting
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me on my return from [unclear: Mr. McPhail].
We leave for Kentucky on next Thursday--the 11th.
If I can get my matters fixed up tomorrow I will go to [unclear: Charlotte] on Tuesday--If I fail in this I will not leave till Thursday morning and then meet Mr. McPhail in Lynchburg Thursday morning.
All our folks are well--With love to Coz. Liz and the children, I am as ever
Your friend
J. D. Imboden
P.S. When Old Dr. Coleman pays up send me a check for my fee as I shall be pretty hard up this fall