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Anne Feb. 2: 1850 Racine

                                                                                                              Feb 2 1850.

Dear brother Joseph

                        Why do you not write to me? Are you thinking that I owe you a letter,  while I am convinced you owe me one? Did my last to you and Mother fail in reaching its destination?
 It was written last Sept. or Oct. I believe sent a little before the time Mother's was written i.e. the day you left for Waterford. I have heard nothing since - do'nt know whither to direct but think I will send it with Mother's; don't intend this scribble for a letter -- if you will write me soon I will send as good one as I can. I give you great joy in the finishing off of rooms, if it be accomplished, in the anticipation of it, if yet in perspective; How nice and comfortable you would all be this summer if I was only there to 'stick up.' I am teaching a class in French by Ollendorff's new method - changing English into French in short sentences. Had I better learn German if I can.
 We have in school two German girls whose father is rich and educated came a few months since from Germany they have been well instructed can cipher well, but cannot understand hardly a sentence in English. the father offers to give board to some one to teach them to talk English. I am going to enquire about it and perhaps....if the sour crout is cooked clean, and if I can learn German pun,  it might be worth while. Next week I am intending to send 50 dolls in a draft to Eliab - he may give you the 

[right-hand side] The draft I intend to send I shall pay a premium of 1 1/4 per cent - it will be on some bank in New York, and will be accepted by an merchant in Bangor while it will be up to me since if lost I lose not the money.