RK-309

Monday, May 11^thIce 1/8 of an inch thick - and looks like snow - Mercury 30[degrees] - Amasa shot several species - Sylvia - & Alice skinned 5, last night

The Grove May 10^th 1857

Dear Brother

It has been just a week since I last wrote to you - but I have a good excuse.

We have been without any help since tuesday - and I have had to work most of the time. I geuss you would think I looked rather interesting, if you were to see me early in the morning - a very old and not extra clean dress, some rather old slippers, a very large "working apron" and an emence sunbonnet sleeves rolled up, either, on my knees scrubbing, or makeing bread, or washing dishes, or doing some other of the many things which have to be dun.

I am (if possible) brawner than ever. Charlie and Major like the cooking much better than they did, that of the girls. I have not skined a bird this week, and I can't say when I shall. We shall get help as soon as possible.

Mr Stirges came out yesterday I expect the school will commence tomorrow - I am affraid we shall not be able to go -

I have commenced to press flowers - though ther are not many to be got yet - but we want to try and get every one as it comes out.

Our Hyasinths are in full bloom now. I wish you could see them.

Bruno has been staying up at

"The Folly" for the last week we expect to see him at home today. [Illegible page smudge] C was delighted with his letter and fishhooks.

We have sent you sevral letters, one from Miss Fitch - (she is at Chicago now) - and Smily Shepards, with several others that I do not remember.

Uncle Flint has been sick for a few days, but is better now.

The boys are very busy now planting - and they have some orders to fill yet.

Uncle Will has discovered that he can build a mile of railrad for a thousand dollars - so he is going to have one from The Grove to Chicago "right away"

Cora caught the first snake yesterday a little broon one.

The grass is beginning to look

quite green - but such weather yesterday it was very warm and to day it is so cold that we have a large fire -

I think you had better be careful how you get "taken up."

I think "infant sawbones" had better write an answer to the last bit in the prairie farmer - "It" must not alow its self to be abused -

All well - with much love [illegible] Sister Alice

Charlie wrote to you last week - he hopes you will get the letter. -

Remember we mailed two packets of letters to you, directed Cairo - We have also sent papers - and never missed more than one mail a week -