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                                            Ottawa  March 21 1846

Dear John/

 I write to let you know where I am so that if you should happen to be near here you might give me a call. I have heard you speak several times of going to St Louis if you should happen to go you will come here there are Steam Boats every day from St Louis to within 8 miles of here, the river is too low at present for them to come up to this place. The fare is only $5 to St Louis.
  I hope every thing has gone on well with you since I left & that your Mother & all are well -
 When I see you again I hope to be in better Circumstances than when I left the territory - I shall always remember with gratitude the kindness I received from yourself & Mother - The Winter has been very mild & pleasant where I have been - I stayed 2 months in Chicago & did very well there & am now doing very well here in the Store of Messrs Armours of this place for the last 3 months today - they are Scotch & very fine men. Illinois agrees remarkably well with me  I enjoy the very best of health I have gained in weight 12 lbs in the last 3 months -. This is a beautiful little town the Scenery all round for Miles is really beautiful. The Illinois & flox Rivers as well as the Canal runs through here. The Messrs Armours are very large Contractors for the work on the Canal.