.MjEy.NDc4ODM

I thought I had told you all about the vinegar - it is John R. La cook who has it he made of pure cider and it is in a good iron bound barrel, warranted fit to go to Chicago - as soon as weather will permit in spring - you can buy Christmas gifts for the children with the five dollars - and we settle the rest when the time comes - we are having the coldest weather we have yet had you have one of our men in Chicago - Tom Birch - all the Birchs' here are connected he is in the oil business and says he is making lots of money - wants Mr Harding to come right on and see him with a view of? moving there - thinks Chicago the greatest place in the country - he kept a variety store here and failed - and is in business with some of his friends - our merchants never did so much business as now - I asked you a year ago if Julia liked the Independent and would like it again - you gave me no answer I repeat the question - be sure to answer me before Jan 1" - much love to you all - and a thousand good wishes - yours very truly and loving Mother