.MTIzNQ.OTc3NjI

                                                                                                       Feb 21st 1847

Dear Brother I intended to have tried to write a letter to you but the fact is I can't, I have lost the art of writing or never knew it. Mother & Lucy have always done the family writing as you know. I never make any pretensions. You are Taxed again here this year about 1 dollar. I believe last year they did not tax you, I have tried to get an abatement of what I paid year before last but I cannot make them hear to me, they persist in saying that you was a student in Foxcroft when you were there and therefore taxable here. I have shown them a writing from Mr Tash showing that you was employed by firm as an Assistant and received pay therefore but they still will have it that you was a student. Rollins the collector says that he shall send on a warrant to an Officer there to collect your Tax. You know what facts you can prove I wish you would make inquiry and be sure whether you can get clear of it, and if you wish me to do anything about it let me know. I suppose it would be much cheaper to pay it than to contend but if they have no right to it, it galls me to have them wring it out because they think you will pay so little rather than contend about it. We have began to put the law in force against rum-sellars have had two prosecutions against Monroe & he appeals. It is the determination to follow him up as long as he continues to sell. I should be very glad to have your company here in about two weeks to attend a Wedding but you must do as you think best.

• Mr Lee says pay tax here everybody has a home somewhere & there’s where they ought to pay - If they should send on a warrant clear to Bowden the cost would be considerable for somebody to pay.