I have waited for some time to write you the result of the action of
the County Commissioners upon the appointment of a County Engineer.
The question has at length been settled, and I am sorry to say,
adversely to me. The two Democratic Commissioners voted for me, and
the Free Soilers against me. What I shall now go at I have not
determined, but I hope something before a great while. Next month I
get possession of my own house, when my expenses will be reduced so
much that a very moderate salary will support me. If I could get the
$3000 note cashed, which I got as the difference in the exchange of
property, I could put up with the proceeds two houses that would pay
me, at least, $40 per month rent. The note has five years to run, with
interest notes given separately and payable annually.
We are looking for some of you here next week to go to the fair. I
wrote to Simpson to come down and see me but as I have had no answer
from him nor from Orvil to a letter written some time before, I do not
know whether he will come or not. I should like very much to have some
of you come and see us this fall. Julia and the children are all very
well. Fred and Buck go to school every day. They never think of asking
to stay at home.
You may judge from the result of the action of the County
Commissioners that I am strongly identified with the Democratic party.
Such is not the case. I never voted an out and out Democratic ticket
in my life. I voted for Buchanan for President to defeat Fremont, but
not because he was my first choice. In all other elections I have
universally selected the candidates that, in my estimation, were the
best fitted for the different offices, and it never happens that such
men are all arrayed on one side. The strongest friend I had in the
Board of Commissioners is a Free Soiler but opposition between parties
is so strong that he would not vote for any one, no matter how
friendly, unless at least one of his own party would go with him. The
Free Soil party felt themselves bound to provide for one of their own
party who was defeated for the office of County Engineer; a German who
came to the West as an assistant surveyor upon the public lands, and
who has held an office ever since.
There is, I believe, but one paying office in the county held by an
American, unless you except the office of Sheriff which is held by a
Frenchman who speaks broken English, but was born here.
Write to me soon. Julia and the children join me in sending love to
all of you.
Yours truly,