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[from Nathan]

Kankakee Ill, Feb 21st 1871

My dear Brother, Your very kind letter of the 31st of Jan. was gladly received. I am glad that the long silence that has existed between us has at last been broken. I intended to have answered your letter at once but my health has been miserable this winter. I have had sickness in my family & this all has kept me tired, weak, nervous & nearly discouraged. My children & wife are now better & I think I am on the gain although there have been but very few mornings that I have not raised bloody matter from an ulcer in one of my lungs & I had a hemorrhage from my lungs to weeks ago last night. I am feeling pretty