I arrived at home on Tuesday evening, and, it being my "chill" day, of
course felt very badly. Julia had been much worse during my absence,
but had improved again so that I found her about as when I left home.
Fred, has improved steadily, and can now hear nearly as well as before
his sickness. The rest of the family are tolerably well, with the
exception of Mr. Dent whose health seems to be about as when I left.
Mr. Dent and myself will make a sale this fall and get clear of all
the stock on the place, and then rent out the cleared land and sell
about four hundred acres of the north end of the place. As I explained
to you, this will include my place. I shall plan to go to Covington
towards Spring, and would prefer your offer to any one of mere salary
that could be offered. I do not want any place for permanent
stipulated pay, but want the prospect of one day doing business for
myself. There is a pleasure in knowing that one's income depends
somewhat upon his own exertions and business capacity, that cannot be
felt when so much and no more is coming in, regardless of the success
of the business engaged in or the manner in which it is done.
Mr. Dent thinks I had better take the boy he has given Julia along
with me, and let him learn the farrier's business. He is a very smart,
active boy, capable of making anything; but this matter I will leave
entirely to you. I can leave him here and get about three dollars per
month for him now, and more as he gets older. Give my love to all at
home.
Yours truly,