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Phillipston May 26th 1844

My Dear Sons My health is no better than it was last fall when you was at home; but is declining - I am not able to do but a little in a day, but I have David with me & we have got our planting done - I took the Marvin Wesson place (at the south end of the Pond) this spring on shares; but my health is so poor we shall not be able to get the hay without help - and I have no means at my disposal to hire & pay for help but to call on you - and I suppose you will think this hard - but Nathan your employers have had your time 3 years for nothing as it were & I think it your duty & mine to have them pay you enough this year so that you can assist me some or to quit them - A child has a duty to perform for his Parents when sick or infirm - and I must depend on you to send me some money to pay for help or you must come & help me get the hay yourself - Nathan I wish we were not poor for your sake as well as mine - but so it is - If my health was good I should not ask you - - I wish you to write me as soon as you receive this and let me know what you can do and when that I may know what to depend on -