RK-898

[printed letterhead] No. Smithsonian Institution, Washington D. C., [written] April 29 [printed] 18 [written] 63.

Dear Jem

Dammy dammy damy, dam dam dam! -

That is Bruno's suggestion - It does relieve ones feelings Jem I'm so homesick -

How can a fellow learn to be contented away from home? I never shall.

I think Natural History is all rot and the Smith sonian a humbug and myself a D-d fool. I wish the D-l had the Arctic regions; and I were safe at home at some Christian and respectable employment instead of leading this vagabond life -

[page turned] If you find anything of special interest going on please send us a Chicago newspaper now and gain - I cant readily get em here

[page turned, stamped] J. Kennicott Brenton Collections

Jem do you remember my proposition that I could be contented under certain circumstances to drive a grain waggon for a lif living? Ill be hanged if I dont wish I were doing it now in Chicago provided I could spend my sundays at home.

That is so.

The fact is I was intended by nature to live at home and not in the outer world.

I wish I was a dutchman working for major.

I suppose Ill get over the sulks after a while but I'm getting confoundedly tired of this life - It wasnt so hard up north - There I enjoyed myself like a pig at least. - D-n every thing

Bruno may finish.