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Brainerd, Cherokee Nation July 27 1829 Respected Sir Although I have never seen you I with pleasure write a few lines to you in Lucy's letter. I have just begun to write so that I cannot write well. Will you be so very kind as to forgive my mistakes which you notice. First, I will tell you about the Cherokees I think they improve. They have a printing press and produce a paper which is called the Cherokee Phoenix. They come to meeting on Sabbath days. They wear clothes which they made themselves Some though few, have shoes and stockings they keep horses and cows sheep and swine. Some have oxen. They cultivate fields. They have yet a great many bad customs but I hope all these things will soon be done away. They have thought more about the Savior lately. I hope this nation will soon become civilized and enlightened. There are 26 girls in school at Brainerd. Mary Ann and Electa goes to school. They are not Cherokees They are the daughter of Mr. John Vail one of the missionaries. I am now under the care of Mr and Mrs. Fernal. They live down to the creek where Mr. Dean used to live. Catherine my sister stay there to My parents come here to meeting on Sabbaths. My father thinks is a great privilege to learn to read. I can read but Mother cannot. I should like to tell you how my Fathers house is situated. it is surrounded with hills. There are trees in the door yard. I take pleasure in sitting under them to attend to my work. And an orchard back of the house. I road between the house and field where the travellers pass. They very often call to stay all night. I help Mother to take care of my brother and sister. My father works in the field. Mother spins and