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 Oswatomie, Feb. 23, '56.

Dear Father

 I write a few lines today though it is uncertain when this will go out. We have had a thaw and the streams are up. There are no bridges as yet, and, when a horse cannot ford a stream at the crossings, travelling stops. These crossings are generally dry but yesterday the water was over a horse's head. We must expect interrupted mails occasionally, especially in the spring. Last night was freezing cold, wind today north, and the water will soon fall. Received yours of Jan. 30th Tuesday the 19th inst., with the $26 [[page torn] draft enclosed. Am very soory to need such assistance, for I know how many calls you have on your resources. Have now about $13.75 besides that most of which I owe to rent &c. I wish you could borrow