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a little for a cold snap in case I couldn't chop - And so we have been tolerable, comfortable, compared to some winters - That overcoat you sent is very good yet - That delaine dress you sent Ellen is good yet - Ellen wears it some this winter when she goes out - We have not had any serious sickness this winter or during the fall - The children lately have colds & Ellen had toothache & pains in face & head but is better now - Monday AM 12th Had a restless night May be I took more cold - Cold East-wind today Ellen's Brother was here last Eve & I put off writing & Waltie goes to school - has never been but a very little before this winter - He is therefore backward but is getting a little start now - He is 9 years old 7th of next month - He is 4 ft 7 in high - He helps a good deal - don't know how we would get along without him some days. He is lively and hearty now - hope he will make a good man. Freddie goes to school occasionally - never tried to say his letters till this winter - He takes hold well & learns easy - He is 3 ft 9 in high rather a nice boy - don't know what he will make. hope he will have a good chance - Pretty fine boy - & smart enough - Martha (we call her Mattie) is a nice fine looking lively little blue eyed 3 year old - She is fond of company - can say her letters - But we don't give the children half a show to learn tis our fault - Mattie is 3 ft 1 in high - has generally been well, has a cold now & so has Fred & Waltie - They are out a good deal & sometimes careless - Ellen has just gone over to call on her Mother - If it was not so far & so expensive I might see my folks once in a while from your affectionate brother Charles Reed

[written along the left-hand side of the page] give my love to the boys & tell them to write Uncle Charley some letters