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1863 Fountain Lake April 29 My Dear Brother we received you letter and likeness? three or four weeks ago somehow you looked
so sad and solemn I could not help crying over it but when I take into consideration the circumstances under which you had
them taken I do not wonder you look so. when I think of Mrs Pelton it is as of one I know and love. when you had newly left
home weary unwell and homesick many a time she was very kind to you though a stranger a friend in need is a friend indeed
and this she has proved herself to you may she receive aboundant entrance into that rest prepared for those who by patient
coutinuence in well doing seek for glory and h illegible and immortality. I was not thinking it was so near the time when
you would be up again till David mentioned it last night he said to tell you he would be sure to come as far as Poignette
to meet you if he was well so you must mention the exact time in your next letter, if you are bringing your trunk anyway be
sure to fetch any sewing or mending you may have and I will see to it illegible and do this I hope your health is improving
I am afraid P.S. 4th May this has been waiting a few days on me, I am going into Portage tomorrow, and I merely want to
say that I shall be sure to come and meet you this time unless something very extra happens, Sarah has told you that nobody
seems to appreciate my benevolent offer however I am not yet despairing I have today sent a dozen Bills with Dan Smith to
Milwaukee Chicago, he was away most of the winter and came home to put in his crop and is now going off till harvest, they
may meet the eye of some one, however John it becomes us in the meantime to get our part well for we know not what shall be
on the morrow. good night John. yours truly Dan iel? 1