RK-739

37

Egypt Rustic Cottage Sunday Feb. 6. 1859

Dear Bob: -

I was equally sur=prised and gratifyed by the reception of your letter dated Jan. 25 - which reached me yes=terday - Sorry you have to work so hard - an I know that it is hard night work especially for I have written all my articles for P.Y![?] nights for the last month - Still I reckon it will not hurt you if you do not get on to many "big tights" - they have destroyed better men than you and I before now - and you know we have a little fun'y[?] failing that way - It is

[written in two columns] awfull dull here Bob you can have no idea - I should go off entirely with the blues if I had no work to do. I really have been industrious have [illegible] over 21,000 grafts that is more than was ever put in at home in a single season. Have a man and a boy now to help me both perfectly green but give promise of doing something by & by. John P. tried it a little at first but soon "caved". He is likely to do very well in the land business - The Bibbs have gone bag & baggage - gone home to their papas and smamas poor little dears. - John P takes the lame[?] back wish I had men

enough to [illegible] it - it would make a gem of a place. Laurent left on Weds - last guess he will settle down here. - Dele[?] B - (bless the Old Heart of her) seems anxious to get me back to Chi - consoles me with capital letters & if I do say so - I think she was pleased with your letter - you know she never says much - Glad to hear Nell is married. -

= I have just made up my mind Bob to grin and bear it; do what I can and borrow no trouble - it is hard though never the less I have to put up with a hundred [illegible] annoyances that in the aggregate make a big figure - I say this to you - I complain to no one

[page turned upside down] Your letter was read before the board but not [illegible] upon I have a letter from Francis expressing regret &c - I did not let on to Wilbur though he tried to [illegible] me - he must let a bove -

[page turned] Dont bother to write long letters to me -

else - & you must not [illegible] to it - I will work out my own temporal salvation yet its only a question of time - I am not going to [illegible] John P - just yet - I dont want to tie myself down till I am well assurd that the road is clear - You have had the misfortune to lose not less than $100. worth of [illegible] -

Was at an oyster supper and dance over at Salem at the house of Billy Wright got acquainted with some nice girls and had a pretty good time - Little Miss Rudd amused me that she entertained tender sentiments towards my brother Robert - Was at Centralia a half day some time since - A mean hole but some fine folks there Have to go to the P O myself - Mondays are mortal long days to me - Ill mail your hint about R. R. folk -

Charlie