Dvořák Antonín Thurber Jeanette M.

Dear Madame Thurber

The time is very near where, according to my promise and contract with the National Conservatory of “Music of America” I have to go back to New York. I beg to ask you some questions and remind you what was settled between us.

I rec[!]¹  received from you the definite promise that you will send me the rest remainder of my salary (1893-1894) per 7500 $, of which I received from you a cheque (already payable last year 16th of December) , but not yet I did not receive any payment and beg to ask you for an immediate answer telling me, whether I have to expect the money in length or at the latest day October 6th.

According to this, I have to arrange everything, that I may know, which steamer I am to take. In case, you would not be able to pay me the cheque check in full or at least the half of it, so that I can draw the money here, in Prague, I firmly expect [?] to your promise (before leaving New York) that you will kindly supply tickets for myself my wife and two children one and half together 3 ½ (together one cabin) (and the also the renewal of the check) and in doing so, I will see the proof - that also the other part of my salary (1893-1894) you will kindly have settled. Because I did not receive the remainder of my salary which you owe me, I would not be able to travel ones[!]²  the ocean at my expenses and also I expect it the check would be payable here in Prague or imediately[!]³  after my return in New York that the monthly salary will be regularly and pinctually[!]⁴  payd[!]⁵  to me in advance.

Believe me that prosperity and success of the National Conservatory of Music of America is of much consequence as to you as well as for me and I never should like to take such measures which would suffer any damage to the god[!]⁶  reputation of the National Conservatory of Music of America.

Remember me to all of you and believe me to be yours very sincerely

Antonín Dvořák 

I would also travel by way of Breuer the Saale leaves Oktober[!]⁷  16 13- the Spree Okt[ober][!]⁸  16 Thursday Tuesday or the Bismark which leaves 18th of Oktober[!]⁹ ) but I am afraid if I have not tickets in time) on the two Spree or Bismark all seats will be taken (the good ones)

Many thanks for the Illustrated American