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Home February 3d '58

Dear Son - Yours of 25th to 28th Jan, to me came yesterday - Glad, very glad to hear you are getting on so well.

I agree with you, in every particular relating to the Prairie Farmer, and my connection therewith, - except my abil=ity to write. I have tried the same subjects for weeks without getting up a single paragraph to suit me - I am both inpatient and fastidious - and have no confidence in my ability to write, though I have in my [opinion?] [page torn] of what others write - or I may my=self produce - This feeling of doubt and difficulty may pass away, - but I am really[?] so feeble in body and mind, that it will not do to coment[?] on much amendment, at my advanced age.

I have never seen the article (enqui =ries) relating to Rabits, in the P. F.. I think I should certainly have noticed it had it been printed. [bottom of page torn off]

[illegible - Name be in the old?] P. F. to oblige Charlie (or rather - Emery & Bragdon for they put Charlie up to think my name in the P. F. would injure him) unless you can get well paid for what you write, you can not afford the time

I have a good opinion on Mr Mc Masters as a portrait painter; but a very poor one as a gentleman He is a man, I think, without good traits as a member of Society - Selfish, vain and vicious - Well fitted to be the intimate "friend" of "Aunt Nettie" - as he was, at one time - Don't give him a single thought He is not worth one. - and were it not for his cleverness, as an ar=tist, he would be one of the most dispicable characters - at least such is the opinion I formed two years ago -

The Boyden visit &c. keeps the [bottom of the page torn off]

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The Major returned from Chicago by Stage, yesterday – We got a little snow on Monday, and it is now colder than any time since Novem=ber – Mercury down to 20⁰ yester=day, and only 1⁰ above zero now – Sun an hour high –

Mother and the children will go up to The Folly by & by – I think they will have a cold hard ride –

But going there is Mother’s great pleasure, and we ought to help her enjoy it -

Yesterday I contrived to pay taxes – about $60. - and we may hope to get along, some way – How are you off for funds? Has Evans or the other man provided you any more?

What besides the Rodents do you write on for Patent office? – Do you re-write the matter sent last year? [bottom of page torn off]

Charlie proposes staying here while the Boyden remains, and help do up the grafting – plums – but we are all taking it quite easy this win=ter – The little boys learn som – they can read tolerably well – God make them good, and keep us all, while it is good for us all to live –

Always kindest regards to Professor Baird & lady – and respects to those who may accept my good wishes - Old Father