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Quincy, Ill. Feb 18th / 55

My dearly loved Brother, Your good kind brotherly letter reached me a week ago to day after playing by the way for a long time but was none the less gladly received. To-day is one of the most charming of days every thing looks bright and beautiful but still my spirits will not sympathize with the spirit of the day. I know not why but often I feel more sad and lonely at the first approach of Nature's smiles after a dull season than at any other time. To-day is one of those days that I would love to much to spend with some of my own dear brothers or sister. I am beginning to fear that I shall be disappointed in my visit with sister during vacation

[Written along the left-hand side of the page] Direct to Edwarsville, Ill. and Jesse will get it I presume he was there only a short time since at work on a building Yes I got a good deal acquainted with him and he is perfectly frank with Sarah and me at all times. He makes a confident of Mr. Hertz- ell always now.

[Written along the right-hand side of the page] Monday morning - It is just two years this morning since I reached Marietta. How many changes have occurred in my life & that of my friends some pleasing and not. I sometimes feel as if I preferred not to live longer I can see but little pleasure in life and yet I think I am [illegible] for the most of the time than the greater part of mankind. If we have no hope of a future I feel that this life would not be worth the trouble of living for in this brought many cares & troubles to our family & I have many pleasures. I want to visit Erasmus & don't know but I had better if I don't go to N.E. next summer. How much would it cost?