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Feb 25th 1855 [to Nathan - Areli Stedman]

Dear Brother

It has been a long long time since I wrote to you or to any one else I have had a [fellon?] on my first finger on my right hand I suffered a good deal with it, but it has got most swell now but is quite tender yet, I was down home about two weeks ago had a very pleasant time while there Libbie and I received your very welcome letter but I was sorry to learn that you are going so far from us. What can we do without you? Indiana is a very dear place to me because that was our dear Jossie's home she lived and died there. I do hope you will conclude that it is best for you not to go to Nebraska if you should go, do not think of going without coming home for sure all want to see you

[written along the left-hand side of the page] My sheet is nearly full so I shall have to stop. this is written so badly I don't know as you can read it but my finger is quite weak so that I tremble but I wanted to write to you so much I commenced as soon as I could for this is the second letter I have written for more than five weeks