.MTIzMg.OTc0NTY

                                                                                        Minnesota Jan 27 - 1850

Dear Brother & Sister

  I feel that we owe you an apology for our long silence, and I frankly confess that I have none to make, that seems satisfactory to myself, and therefore will make none, but if you will excuse our neglect in this instance I will endeavor for my part to be more punctual for the future.

We hear by way of Warren that you are house-keeping which is the most we have heard about you for a long time. I rather conclude that we are not the only remiss ones, tis a long time since weve had a letter from any of Fathers family. My health has been rather better the last summer and fall then usual. but in cold weather I am so confined to the house that I do not feel as well. I am spending the winter mostly alone as Theodore is hauling lumber, rails etc. I have but little of his company in the day-time; every-body has so much work to do in a new country that there is bit little time for visiting, meetings for the worship of God are few, and far between. however I am very contented and happy. indeed I have enjoyed this winter so far better than any season since I left the east We are very comfortable in our new house, and as it is something new for us to be comfortable in cold weather, no doubt we enjoy it with a keener relish - besides I have plenty of good reading which to me is a very important item, and more than all, I have, I humbly trust, a heart at peace with God and man how full of blessings, and I do feel (perhaps not as much as I ought truly thankful to my kind heavenly Father for all his mercies