[22 Paradise Rd., Northampton, Mass.]
I have no idea when you will get this, but as I find it really obligatory to stay till the 13th, I shall write a note like this once or twice a week. You will see from the enclosure that the larger part of the programme consists in being entertained. Here, we are installed in the grandest hotel – too grand for my taste – and no pains are spared for our entertainment. The French & the Swiss delegate[s] are agreeable, the Italian has just arrived, and the German arrives in time for the meeting this evening. Id'Almado, Joséas host in Portugal;a1 brought a letter of introduction to a charming Dr. D’Almada 1 who is very hospitable, & seeing him has been a pleasant relief from the official character of the other proceedings. The food is good, but too rich; the climate is admirable, & not hot; the town rather beautiful – what there is to see is worth seeing, but there is not too much of it; & the Portuguese gentle & amiable. I really look forward to the tour of the country.
I am impatient to learn about your health, and wish that I had asked you to write once here – I wd have done so had I known we should have to stay so long. I can only pray for you & await the news I shall find in London on the 16th.
1.Joséd'Almado, José d’Almado (b. 1879?), financier and adviser, Banco Nacional Ultramarino (National Overseas Bank).
1.Joséd'Almado, José d’Almado (b. 1879?), financier and adviser, Banco Nacional Ultramarino (National Overseas Bank).