.MTIzNg.OTc5MjQ

ready enough to step forward and take the place that might belong to him - It is a trait of the Stevens Characters & he has it from the Richs, also

To Dear Ettie I would say keep up good Courage the cold weather may do great things for her health had better wean the baby in April & come east and spend the next summer I dont know how Isaac can bear it to be left alone but probably it will be best tho' perhaps he can come a while in the warmest of the weather DuCoign Mayo - well that s a good name How I wish I could take the dear little fellow in my arms
I suppose Charles is with you ere now & has heard from home too Albina has written a letter Directed to Du Quoin before I came away I suppose she will keep him inform'd of all the news - that Mr. Ricker has hir'd out with Sam'l & therefore did not help get up any road Mr. Bumps did not have the oxen. Sam'l will take them into the woods & I fear will or rather & know he does want them before they'll get up road enough - Nelly became very lame they call it Sprain on her leg would not answer Sam'l's purpose he tried to swap her off but could get no more than $60, for her tis thought she may get over it after a while So he concluded to take my advice & not put her off at that price but take her back to the farm  Uncle Mark think they can make out to have keeping enough with some damag'd Hay that Sam'l has at the Webb barn - And S. has bought Mr. Russell Kittredge's horse for $150,

The School at the corner commenced the 14 of this month James boards, at our house I dont know whether Charlie goes his cough had not got well when I came away I expect to go home again in a week or two & stay a while and then go to Bangor a spell - I wish I could take Charles with me but Lissie is there & perhaps will be till Spring