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Thurs. Oct 19, 1871 Dear Sister Mary

  Your letter reached us night before last, and at the same time came one from Jennie saying that John Eddie is quite well. That was in a note to Ma. Mine I think I will enclose. I sent one from them before care Rev. J. J. Jones. Pa sent them $15. yesterday and I gave your present address. They will probably be home by the middle of next week Mr. Davies goes to Utica next Monday. Lewis commenced printing 1st form to day. Poor Mrs. Smith, how my heart bleeds for her. I shall write to her before long. I shouldn't have thought that possible in Mr. Smith. Our apples are all in! 

text that follows is written perpendicular to the body of the letter That? is, unless you have some secrets. Mr. Davies is trying to make love to Sarah!!! But doesn't succeed very well -- makes her sick at her stomach Last night he smoked a pipe the 1st in a long time. We haven't told any body about this so you keep still and burn it up Nonsense over for a time Sis.