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Oh Ettie -- if you do not, as I am somewhat inclined to believe, care any thing at all for yourself, do Ettie, on my account, and on Little May's account, do take care of your health, do. The sewing so much must certainly be injurious to you--the worst thing you could do. I do believe you would have now been fatter & stronger & in better health every way, if you had not sewed so much at Bangor. Just think of it now, and realise that your duty to your dear little Boy will not allow of it. I want to hear of your riding and running, and walking about - all round the Town, in wood or pastures after flowers or berries or mosses, or gossiping with the neighbors, or any where except sitting & sewing sewing. I would give a hundred dollars to know you did not touch a needle for three months--I am sure you could find enough else to do. Writing letters & reading what you would want to would surely be sedentary employment enough for you. Now of course you will think I am unreasonable. (I know I am-but then--) and would talk about the "necessity" of sewing--but then I do not believe in such necessity--As long as Shops contain all descriptions of every thing ready made--and you have money to pay for them, or for hiring work done to suit you--There Ettie! if you will forgive all this I will try not to do so again--Did I tell you what I have done the past week--(I always write you my record I believe) - Well not much I guess. Monday I went down to Big Muddy on Hand Car. to attend to very many things there & at DeSoto, and to see to Time of work of men along the track for July. Mitchell's sickness (He is not out yet, though better) makes me additional work. Came up on Express Train Tuesday (Aug 1st) in office till 3 P.M. Then with Thermometer at 101degree symbol F. in coolest of positions in shade started north. Little Muddy at Night. Wednesday to Richmond & Centralia. Thursday back again to