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22 from the east of young men who are anxious to get into business. who desire to locate in these new cities, and my opinion is that very few of them will ever get rich in pursuing a legitimate business. - all those who are rich here had made their money in the rise of property, which in fifteen years has increased to an almost incredible degree. - Land which then was worth only government prices sells now readily for from $500 to $10,000 per acre. - who could not be rich under such circumstances - perhaps there is just as good a chance in the new cities that are springing up farther West at any rate if I had plenty of the ready I would try it. - or I think that lending money would do as the legal rate of interest is from 6 to10 per cent and you can get readily from 2 to 3 per ct a month with real estate security which is a little ahead of eastern rates. although I think the risk somewhat greater among regular shavers than among honest people. - you are obiged [sic] to be on the lookout or some sharper will have the advantage of you.
Tuesday Jany 29th
Oh dear. Morse has not decided yet about stopping here. if he does not today I shall leave him in his glory - I can't afford to say any longer for the sake of his company however agreable it might be. - 5 o'clock Morse has decided to stop and I shall go to Burlington. - they say it is doubtful whether there will be a train tonight on account of the Snow. - and I do not wish to get caught on the Prairie in a Snow Storm. so I will stop over night and see what the prospect is in the morning. -
Wednesday Jany 30th
After breakfast took a carriage to the Depot and wait until 2 hours after the regular time 11 o'clock start but we are doomed to be delayed as there are 3 trains due here now. after starting and stopping and backing an almost inumerable number of times we reach the Junction about 30 miles from Chicago where we took wood and water then went along very well for about 50 miles when we were stuck fast in the Snow about a [sic] high as the