Octavius Catto Letter to Jacob C. White, Jr.

Washington, Oct. 2, 1870

1531 I Street

Dear Jake – You have no doubt received a letter from me advising you of my present state of preservation.

    I write again to ask you one or two additional favors. You must excuse the trouble to which I am subjecting you – and believe me Sir, sincerely, that had I not full confidence to believe that all I request will be fully and satisfactorily performed, I would not, I assure you, annoy you with its commission. I hope you will deem the excuse logical at least.

    I am yet busy at the [greater?] cause of Instruction. I have got through the six Primary Grades, and three of the four Intermediates. I have one more Int. and [21?] Gram. and the High Sch. which is to be organized.

    They must then be reviewed, submitted to the Board and then Published. I have to write a series of Rules and Regulations for the Supt. Teachers & Schools.

    Mr. Newton – who is the Supt. is here and Geo. Cook, I hear, has left for Oberlin.

    Jno. Frith of the West Indiea is here. You may remember him. He asks to be to be remembered to you and all the Boys. Tell [Dad?] Jones.

    Well now to Business.

                Will you go to Stoke’s under the Continenetal – he who made my pants and cheated you and order him to make me a fine and tolerably heavy pair of black pants. You can see if [he?] has not my measure still on his Book. If he has not, of course you need not have them made. I want them fine and heavy. Pay to the extent of from $12 to $14.

    Will you also go to Adam’s – 7th and Market – he has my vest measure on his Books – (if not don’t order) and order a fine black cloth vest for me – let it be [pleace?] – fine enough to keep time with the pants and my famous “pigeon tail.” It must show the second stud – have four buttons close together and be rounded at the lower corners. Let him make it precisely as you order it. I will try to show you what I mean by rounded lower corners – by this Drawing –

[Sketch of Vest] A fine Drawing.

    I would like to have these by Friday or Saturday if possible. The Trustees have not paid me anything as yet, but I suppose all will be right, however.

    They must pay all – or I will take nothing. If you have money enough over, will you send me on the receipt of this – [$5.00?]?

    How are affairs going at the Institute?

    Drop me a line immediately, will you? My regard to the Madame. Remember me to Bob – Doc – Dad – Bill – Bolivar – Needham – Venning – Knight – Sammy, and the fellows generally one and all.

    Yours as ever – but more hastily than usual –

Oc.