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I am much gratified with the children, gifts shall keep? them. Ben Laye?, he is going down unclear I let him hold on and I will send this by him and he is waiting yours only, unclear unclear St Joseph May 3rd, 1849 Dear unclear I received yours yesterday, by Houghs?, and was much gratified to learn that you all are in so good. Health

I commence a letter to day, because I have a little spare time 

yesterday, we was verry briskley?, packing flour, cleaning up unclear. Our Bacon has not come yet, it will in? a day or two, there we shall have an wall? again, and get across the River as soon?? as unclear, as the Feed for oxen? is better, and we are less liable to sickness on the other side. There is some Colera? and small Pot? here, I do not fear it however I go wherever duty or business calls me, Houghes had an attack of Cholera on the Boat?, unclear, almost recovered, our horde? of life will make him hearty, Craudall of unclear lost one of his men of Cholera by the name of Kingsley?, another boat that came in to this port at the same time they did, lost-Eleven men from St Louis? up, with the same unclear, you wish to know how I enjoy myself, just imagine yourself in my situation and under the same circumstances, and your immagination? will wander?