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                                                                                                              Milo Dec. 17th 1849

My Dear Son I recieved yours of Nov. 27 was very glad indeed to hear from you but had rather do without having than have you labor too hard by writing your indignation at Charles's treatment of Rickers folks was in a measure ? ? or rather he think you are under a mistake Ricker & his wife would have been very angry would have scorn'd him forever had he done any such thing C. paid the nurse Mrs. R. is very well Mr. R. has gone a fortnight brought him a Barrell of ? - has not found any chance to go into the woods but gets plenty of work about here and good pay So I guess he'll rub along. As far as you are concern'd I'm quite inclin'd to be glad your Ague didn't burst for I do not believe in the douche being good for you. Now Joseph I do want you should come home or come to Hampden. If the W. Treatment has not very perceptably benefited you yet what reason have you to suppose it will & if it does not Benefit it certainly does injure I believe there is very real Efficacy and Benefit in the use of Cold Water But after all I rather think that Cold Water Doctors ought to be round'd with Steam Doctors Rainwater Doctors & other one idea folks.

 I dont believe that it was ever intended that Man should live by Water alone. Or how can people live and enjoy health in regions where it is impossible to immerse or douche themselves
 I am thinking to go to Hampden in a week or two if I can and I hope to find you there. Your Habits have been such from your youth up that there cannot be much in your spleen that needs be wash'd out 
 As you say there seems to be a strength in you notwithstanding your weakness that is very encouraging

[upside down at top]when you want to come will not Isaac come to accompany you if you let him know - or Eliab if he dont or possibly Eliab & Lucy I should even like to myself if it didn't cost anything but do come soon unless you are satisfied that you are recieving benefit by staying there May God be with you My Son & bless you in all your doings. A.M.M.