in London

Manchester, 3 June 1864

Dear Mohr,

In polite confirmation of my humbly devoted last, I have to inform you today that Lupus’s will passed the court of probate the day before yesterday and I have taken possession of the document in question. I have also presented it at the bank and had it registered and shall collect the money at the bank on Monday or Tuesday (I can do this entirely alone, without Borchardt) and remit it to you. It is about £230. I shall now try to see B[orchardt] tomorrow or Monday, and then do my utmost to have the matter settled quickly. I shall keep back the approximate amount of the inheritance tax – £12! – here, as well as something extra for the lawyer’s bill, etc. The same tells me that, in order to be secured against any later claims, one must, about 1 month after the probate (hence from 1 July), insert a notice to unknown creditors three times in succession in the “Gazette”, “Times” and local papers, with a preclusive period. This therefore causes some further delay regarding the definitive settlement. Towards September the demand for payment of the tax will arrive (until then the interest on it can be saved), when we shall then settle accounts with Wood and pay the money, after which the matter can be finally wound up.

I have discovered the fellow who took Lupus’s photograph, and from him the original negative; I have had 24 prints made, of which 4 are enclosed; you may give one each to Pfänder and Eccarius, and if you want any more, they are at your service. On this occasion I have also had myself taken again, the result of which you will find enclosed; the people here say it is very good.

“Free Press” received with thanks. What will poor Collet do now, after Othello’s occupation is gone? And the poor clever child, who is initiated into all the secrets of the highest diplomacy.

Many greetings. How are the boils?

Yours,
F.E.