RK-099

Springfield Ill. Saturday Aug 11^th 1855

Son Bob,

In a recent letter I advised your remaining at home, in case the Society should need your services in Chicago - connected with the Hotels. But Mr Arny has attended to that, and was in town while I was there - He was here, last night, and brought me the terms of most of the Hotels &c, all right - So, of course, you are at liberty to start off again whenever you get ready; and Charlie no longer needs your aid. Your article I shall not want before the 20^th, & perhaps not till the 25^th of this month - But tis right to be ready - so try & have it here by about the 20^th, if you can

[page turned written on right side] Cool here, and looks like rain

Our paper has not come on yet and the printers are lying on their oars, waiting for it -

Dr Norwood is "inspecting" the open=ing of his boxes of Specimens, - he does not put his own hands to the work - that would be soiling the dignity of a native Kentuckian and state officer[double underline] - but the Doctor is a very pleasant, (and very ineffi=cient) man, for all that - I have given up looking for any paper from him, except his catalogue - You will be pleased with his collection and had best come and see it, - when you start out again -

I am not well this morning - had one of my sleepless nights - This is my 4^th letter home since I left - Love to Maria & Johny - respects to Flint and kisses to all my especial brood

Old Father