25 March 1891
Macmillan,I cannot help but be intrigued by your eagerness to face death. I do not need an entire week, but am merely being considerate of your own schedule by suggesting a Saturday—something you seem incapable of dong in return. Could you not, with your influence, arrange to be off on a weekday? I would have no difficulty arranging for a Tuesday or Thursday off.
I will not be dueling tomorrow evening. Hospital shifts are long and grueling, and I do not have enough time in advance, nor enough time to clear it with my second, to clear my schedule for the rest of the day.
I must insist on the 3rd or 4th of April, once again.