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close to the ground, and let one (the most vigorous) shoot grow, which I would bud in August or graft next spring.

 Cut the currant bushes down to the ground, and then train them up to three or four stems. Do not let the bottom of the bush grow full of little twigs like the old bushes, or you will have small currants, and three times the labor in picking. It is a great deal better to keep down the small growth, and only let 3 or 4 vigorous grow, than to try to thin them out and prune them afterwards. 
 I wonder if Eddy could not get me two or three raspberry roots with a small piece of the stem on and send them in newspapers. It would be in this shape I guess sketch of L-shape, longer limb marked "root" and shorter "stem" but the root short enough so that it would go in to a paper. 
 We have had considerable rain since we wrote. The Pottawatomie filled its banks and overflowed some, making a stream between banks between 40 and 40 ft deep and from 100 to 150 feet wide. The only way of crossing this stream is by fording with a horse (if you have one) or on a tree chopped down or on raised staves on foot. Of course our communications now with town and with the world are cut off. 
 I have had two chills and missed one. So now I think I am over them for the present. Sarah is not quite as well as when I wrote last.
   With much love 
     John

added in pencil: Thursday May 9. At town -- I have just got your letter of Apr. 22 with the draft of $60. The generosity of this donation took me completely by surprise. I am greatly obliged and affected by this proof of your kindness. I am only sorry you had not received my letter about the Tribunes before sending, that my fee might have taken it out unclear with thanks to all our dear brothers and sisters. This will be a very great unclear -- edge folded over our sickness & drawbacks, we are quite well now.