Dearest Aunt Agatha, Uncle Torch, Frannie, and Butch,
I have moved from the town of Nantucket to the eastern edge of the island, known as the town of Siasconset or ’Sconset. I live simply, but I have been left very well off by Captain Ahab, who died perhaps a year ago—we do not know exactly when the Pequod went down, stove by a white whale. We have lived with the news for several months. I think often of you. I wish again to ask forgiveness for the pain I gave you. With the loss of Ahab, I understand afresh that love is the sharpest lance. Again, now, in grief, I am flooded with gratitude that you have forgiven me.
I am thinking of Frannie. I am remembering her restlessness. I honor the patience she has shown these years. I am remembering, too, my promise to her that someday she would be invited to travel and to live with Justice and me. Butch’s time will come, too, when he is a big boy, if you wish it.
The messenger who brings you this letter and the sum of one thousand dollars in gold is a man to be trusted—David Poland. His short stature should not make you think of him as dubious in any way. I wrote to him, in Virginia, asked him to come to Nantucket, gave him this letter and the money, and sent him to you.
As you see he has fulfilled this mission. Neither David nor the money has disappeared between Nantucket and the Great Lakes. When I left Kentucky, it was David who guided me out. I rode a white donkey named Milk, whom he led. You see that he still has Milk, and is probably this minute giving Butch a ride on him!
I send the money because I have it and as a way of thanking you for the four wonderful years I spent with you. Money can never repay you: you gave me a family when my own could not keep me.
I do remember what it was like to be young, Frannie. My proposal is that you come and live with me for a while. I propose, dear Aunt and Uncle, that you allow and trust David Poland (whom I have already paid) to escort Frannie to Nantucket. I feel that Frannie and I have much to talk about, and that I can introduce her to the broader world in a safe way. And her presence will help our lives to heal.
With abiding love to all of you, and gratitude,
Una