To Mrs. Ole Bull

228 West 39th St. New York
8th Dec. 1895
Dear Mrs. Bull,
Many thanks for your kind note of welcome. I arrived last Friday after ten days of a very tedious voyage. It was awfully rough and for the first time in my life I was very badly seasick. . . . I have left some strong friends in England who will work in my absence expecting my arrival next summer. My plans are not settled yet about the work here. Only I have an idea to run to Detroit and Chicago meanwhile, and then come back to New York. The public lecture plan I intend to give up entirely, as I find the best thing for me to do is to step entirely out of the money question–either in public lectures or private classes. In the long run it does harm and sets a bad example.
In England I worked on this principle and refused even the voluntary collections they made. Mr. Sturdy, being a rich man, bore the major part of the expenses of lecturing in big halls–the rest I bore. It worked well.
Again, to use rather a vulgar illustration, even in religion there is no use overstocking the market. The supply must follow the demand, and the demand alone. If people want me, they will get up lectures. I need not bother myself about these things. If you think after consultation with Mrs. Adams and Miss Locke that it would be practicable for me to come to Chicago for a course of lectures, write to me. Of course the money question should be left entirely out.
My idea is for autonomic, independent groups in different places. Let them work on their own account and do the best they can. As for myself, I do not want to entangle myself in any organisation. Hoping you are enjoying good health both physically and mentally,
I am yours, in the Lord,
Vivekananda

To Mr. E.T. Sturdy

228 WEST 39TH STREET,
NEW YORK,
8th December, 1895.
DEAR FRIEND,
After ten days of a most tedious and rough voyage I safely arrived in New York. My friends had already engaged some rooms at the above where I am living now and intend to hold classes ere long. In the meanwhile the Theosophists have been alarmed very much and are trying their best to hurt me; but they and their followers are of no consequence whatever.
I went to see Mrs. Leggett and other friends, and they are as kind and enthusiastic as ever.
Did you hear anything from India about the coming Sannyasin?
I will write later fuller particulars of the work here.
Kindly convey my best love to Miss Müller and to Mrs. Sturdy and all the other friends and kiss baby for me.

Yours ever in the Sat,

VIVEKANANDA

To Miss Josephine MacLeod

228 WEST 39TH STREET,
NEW YORK,
8th December, 1895.
DEAR JOE JOE,
After 10 days of the most disastrous voyage I ever had I arrived in New York. I was so so sick for days together.
After the clean and beautiful cities of Europe, New York appears very dirty and miserable. I am going to begin work next Monday. Your bundles have been safely delivered to the heavenly pair, as Alberta calls them. They are as usual very kind. Saw Mrs. and Mr. Salomon and other friends. By chance met Mrs. Peak at Mrs. Guernsey’s but yet have no news of Mrs. Rothinburger. Going with the birds of paradise to Ridgely this Christmas. Wish ever so much you were there.
Had you a nice visit with Lady Isabelle? Kindly give my love to all our friends and know oceans yourself.
Excuse this short letter. I shall write bigger ones by the next.

Ever yours in the Lord,

VIVEKANANDA

To Sister Christine

228 W. 39TH STREET
[NEW YORK]
8th Dec. ’95
DEAR CHRISTINA,

I am once more on American Soil and have taken lodgings at 228 W. 39, where I begin work from Monday next. Sometime after Christmas I intend to make a tour through Detroit and Chicago.

I do not care for public lecturings at all — and do not think I shall have any more public lectures charging admission. If you will see Mrs. Phelps and others of our friends and arrange some classes (strictly on nonpayment basis), it will facilitate things a good deal.

Write at your earliest opportunity and give Mrs. Phunkey [Funke] and all our friends my deepest love and gratitude.

Yours ever in the Lord,

VIVEKANANDA

P.S. Kripananda is over full of praise of you and Mrs. Funkey [Funke] and sends his loving regards for you.