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Thursday March 6 1856 Dear Cynthia

We torn -- presumably says "have" been unable to get mails or send mails for the last two weeks 
The great drifts that had shut us out from all the world a few weeks before melted and closed around us in water again cutting off all communication so we have felt quite dreary here all alone  For several days John was unable to cross the Potawatomie to fodder his cattle but some good neighbors on the other side to whom he called went up and took care of them till he could get over again, 
 We have nothing to write but about the same thing that we tell every week,  If I get able to teach this summer I can have a school to commence about the first of May — I don't see much probability present of being able to teach. I have no strength hardly enough to sit up. 
 You must have had a hard time I think in Steuben this winter with such deep drifts and so much cold weather, but you have comfortable houses there — We have suffered with cold here beyond everything I ever dreamed of before yet none of us have been frost bitten,  We hope to hear by the next mail that Robert is much better,  It is very sad to think of his condition.  I hope he will soon very soon gain his mental elasticity
 Tell that new Jane that we could not find enough of her love to tell what it was like and fear she has very little left to herself, 
I shall by the way drop a letter to her if I ever get well
 Tenderly
  Sarah

in left margin: Colds are rare in the Territory