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New York Military Academy Cornwall-on-Hudson New York 12520 16 May 1966

Dear Jack: I wish, I wish I could see my way clear to get to New York while you are there. That would be a levitating experience.

Trouble is, I am looking for a job for next fall. I am "being retired" because of my age. I've spent my travel allowance and much more running to schools for interviews with headmaster.. and so far nothing by "hanging" uncertain results. "We'll call you, don't call us."

So I teach Whitman and forget the Abraham Lincoln School. "When Last Lilacs in the Dooryard Bloom'd."

If it should turn out that you could be in New York after the first of June, let me know and I'll embezzle that month 's allowance for travel to see you.

I have been to Winchendon, Mass,; Newton, N.J.; Cornwall, Connecticut; South Hampton, L.E.; N.Y.' and Bristol, Connecticut, for interviews. Three of the five have not said "no."

However three of the five are also interviews of several weeks back.

I never looked forward to old age.... but I think I find it a little bit worse than I supposed. The fact that I remain reasonably healthy and curious, is some comfort. The alienation --see how up-to-dat I am-- bothers me. I find little or now companionship-either on my age level or on any other. Those on my age level seem always to have to compete -- compete against what? Talk, talk, talk. I do not talk much more now than I ever did.

I may call you one evening this week ... or why don't you call me collect -- Area Code 914---534-9034. The phone is mine -- in my quarters -- not on the school complex. If there's no answer, I', either not talking or not at home. If a woman answers you have a wrong number.

So I leave it there. I tried calling you tonight. No answer.. and I suspect at hours in which I am able to call you that would generally be true.

Lord knows, I'd like to sit for an hour and chew the fat...

Affectionately Jim

Give my regards to Jan Gilbert. Last time I saw him I declined an offer of his to buy me a drink. I can't for the life of me, remember why.