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running North again, upon other line and survey. I must tell you another thing. You know I came here without promising to stay. The agreement was simply that I should come out and go to work, and receive $2.50 per diem while I staid. Upon settlement at the end of July I am allowed $3.00 per diem for the whole time. Moreover I find myself set down from August 1st, for $3.50 per diem. So I begin to think that I can do well out here, if I find that the climate agrees well with me. I find that Southern Illinois has been considered very unhealthy for Eastern men. Part of the time I have thought it was for me. One while I thought I should certainly leave at the end of July. The water I suppose affected me very much at first; I had quite a diarrhea or dysentery rather, which, I could not unclear strength at all. Why for a week or two I really seemed incapable of as much active effort, mental or physical, in a day, as usually in an hour or two. Any effort, under the scorching sun wilted me at once, and fatigued and lamed me for a long time. But within two or three weeks showers have sprung up an cooled the air and the ground. the breeses seem fresher, the atmosphere purer, the earth less parched; and my health and strength seem very well restored. The old settlers say my acclimation is very favorable; I have no doubt that it is much more so than if I had followed the almost universal prescription to put brandy always with my water, and plenty of coffee with my bacon, as too many even of Eastern men do in coming here. I am very glad indeed that you like Illinois: for if I conclude to try and stay out here, I shall very soon be wanting you to come out here with me. I shall not be contented to stay here long alone I can assure you. My love and regard to Father & Mother, brother & sister - to Mrs Wm. Raymond, if you see her & please. I liked Mrs Raymond best of all my acquaintances in N.H. after Antoinette. I shall be waiting most earnestly to hear from you again soon as possible. Sincerely yours I. S. Metcalf