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647 The Grove March 5th 1858
Dear Bob -
I received your kind letter of Feb 25th in yesterdays mail, Mother also received one of a later date; we wer'e glad to get them both for we did not hear from you by the last mail. It appears to me that it takes our letters a much longer time than is necessary to come from Washington.
Dont imagine that we are in any distress for paper or postage for we certainly use a great deal, as much as we choose, alway.
Mother never could be convinced that it would be better for her not to work so hard - as long at least as we are as poor as we are at present - she not only sews all the time but does a great deal of housework; we only keep one girl so you can judge that we all have to be
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very busy; it is not pleasant to have to work in the kitchen but there is no help for it so all we have to do is to put up with "all the help we can get" and make the best of it. I don't wonder that Father feels discouraged for we owe so much and there is no way to make any money. the "hard times" will of cours prevent people from making any purchises that they can do without and many will think that trees and flowers can be[?] left a few years. We are a very large family and although we try to be as economical as possibl we spend a great deal for articals which are positivly necessary. I always understand your motives in giving us advice and always receive it kindly as I know it is ment.
When you write to Fred Staring tell him we all read his letter and sympathise with him in being "away of in the wilds of arkansas
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but he ought to be thankful to think that he has any thing to do, when there are so many who are in want of situations of any kind. I have been busy all the morning, sweeping, making beds, dusting, washing dishes, washing windows, ect. We all feel entire confidence in your ability to do right, and take care of yourself: and
