4 With much pleasure I enclose this bill that each of the dear children may have a small present from me on Christmas with
love I am glad tha tbusiness is as good and that Davids health has improved so much I will hope to hear oftener from some
of you than I have done. So with all the comp -liments of the season and with love to all I close Affectionately Mother
1 Portage Dec. 16th 1885 Dear Emma I gladly received your letter of Novr 27th and am much pleased to know that you are
all enjoying good health from the oldest to the youngest 'what a blessing How many blessings are showered upon us every day
of our life by our Kind Heavenly Father How glad we were to have John with us again for a little while after such a long absence
and how wonderful it seemed to be that so many of the family could be