A Letter Written on Oct 9, 1917

The Harvard Medical School
Boston

Oct 9
1917

Dear Miss Turner:

I am very sorry to tell you that word has come requiring me to meet a sick man in New York. He is arriving on a ship that will probably dock Friday. It would be out of the question for me to let this sick stranger, who has crossed the ocean at my invitation, arrive in a strange country without welcome. It would be dangerous, too. I must take him at once to the sanatorium where he is to stay.

Please forgive this desertion. It was entirely unforseen and is most disturbing. I will come some other time, should you still wish it.

Yours faithfully
W. T. Porter