Letter 4
Letter from Morley Callaghan to Raymond Knister, November 11
191 Roxton Road,
Toronto, Nov. 11
Dear Raymond;
I don’t imagine the banks would advance money on the notes, that is unless they have some very definite assurance that the company is entirely solvent.
You might as well accept the settlement because what else is there to do & also you might as well get all the notes from the lawyers, especially since they won’t help you collect. What purpose is there in having them retain the notes?
It is a pretty funny prize, a disgustingly funny prize, but I might as well say it’s a good deal better than I thought you’d get. But what you want to do is this; as soon as the notes fall do, press for payment. Don’t be put off. If they try to put you off, sue at once, or let them know you are suing at once and I imagine they’ll do almost anything to keep out of the courts. But don’t be put off. And if it is necessary to sue, get an inexpensive lawyer for it is a simple matter. No evidence is required when suing on a promissory note: the note itself is a prima facis case against the defendant.
I’m sorry you’re having all this trouble, but as I say, you are doing better than I thought you would do. So keep it up.
Your book will probably have a better chance in December than it would have had in October, for October was the very doldrums for all industries, the publishers included. Things will be a little better in December. I’d rather see the book in print. Somehow print always seems easier to me to read than manuscript.
You are right; everybody is having difficulty, and the one comforting thought is that things can’t get any worse.
Good wishes to your wife and to you,
Ever yours,
[Handwritten signature: Morley Callaghan]
[Handwritten annotation: Late as usual in answering you, but I was very busy and xxx]