RK-692

[written sideways] N.B. The X came all right - long may you wave

Sunday Morning - Rustic Cottage

Jan. 9. 1859.

Dear Bob: -

Yesterday I rec'd your short note enclosing circulars - glad to hear of Dr K's safe arrival - and sorry that I know of no member of the legislature likely to be influenced by what I could say in a good cause. I spent several hours with GW Wilber Agl. nState Nat. Hist. Socy - in Chi. the other day he seemed to think you a regular brick - & he seems him=self a clever fellow but you know his capacity better than I do. I talked bugs at the Frost Convention very considerably & I lit them up in the Report - May Report will be a good thing - I had to work hard

over it seems as if I had written all my "think" out. Got into a nice quarrel with the Pantagraph folks came near licking Jim Medill but would not dirty my hands with him scared him a little & he has agreed to let me alone if I will him - of course he will stick to the bargain or not as he pleases. - H.D. is going to do something definite for me the coming year - Gives me $150,00 cash exchanges, passes, advertising &c - not much for me to get but a good deal for him to give & much better for me than nothing. - I had a grand good time this last visit in spite of the Report - They all seem to like me

at Mr Boydens & that makes it pleasant - New Years day I went calling - you had a good time -. you were frequently mentioned and perhaps I lied about you a little you and and the Washington belles - Have sent your letter to [illegible] B-- up am glad you wrote it - She is a noble girl Bob if I do say - better than riches a heap. - I would marry her tomorrow if her health was only better - but I will not expose her to hardships even though I know she would willing on down the for my sake - No I must work save - and be patient for a while. & I think God will take care of the rest - I was heartily rejoiced that Father got that appointment - and

I am glad he was not a Springfield - They made an awful mess of it as was to be expected - [illegible] to Prest. Francis, Sec'y by virtue of 600 Springfield votes but for the occasion - Brn Brown of Sprinfield Treas - Cook of do. Rec. Sec = Some good men on the Board and lots of poor ones - They have amended the constitution so as to hold elections on the Fair grounds - by delegates from Co. Soc's - I will write you again soon - next Sunday & am not very well today - Laurence is with me - Shall do a good thing at the grafting - I reckon - All well at G.N.P. -

Have you had any hints in regard to Prancks frequent visits to the Grove - it is troubling Mother a great deal - I am of her opinion entirely - I hope that nothing will come of it -

God bless you old "fell"

Bro. Charlie -

Had two New Years presents an elegant and very heavy silver Napkin ring from the old Blessing - and a pair of beautiful lamp mats from Fannie B.-- Ada C. that used to be they tell me is in your city - if you see her kiss the bride for me - I forgot [illegible] the [illegible] of my presents to make honorable mention of a news & splendid hunting shirt & a big piece of green cheese from Aunt Ave - dont you wish you had some. I have so improved my cottage that it is really quite cheerful have lots of books a few papers - nice little clock - &c. &c. - I intend to get over to 100,000 grafts if I can get the help - Bob, all Emery's importation of bulbs for a very