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3 Lottie is married lives in Sheffield? , but we see her every week. Some two years since I purchased this house ( Frey
Bentos named after a town in illegible way in South America). It stands by itself on a plot of land fifty yards square. The
ground is not large, but it takes my gardener all his time to keep it in order. I often wish that I could live in an orange
bearing country like California. We get your oranges here but I suppose that they are not to be compared with the fresh gathered
fruit. I told you I believe that my dirt is fruit nuts the products of the earth. From the accounts which I have read of your
travels, you must be that way inclined. Certainly we were vegetarians when we were together at Madison. I have one of my letters
written to my mother, from Madison in 1862 in which I mention that you I walked cross the lake on the ice visited the illegible
A illegible . I remember it well, we could see the fish through the ice, can never forget the faces actions of the inmates.
Have never been in one since. Now I have told you a good deal about myself hope in return you will tell me how you are in
health spirit also all about your family. From a print in an American Magazine published a year since, you look about the
same. Time must have been kind to you. Money making has not caused you sleepless nights. You have much to be thankful for,
It is a pity that the ways of the world prevent nearly all of us from living as nature intended us to live. Now write soon
I will try hard to do my duty to my old friend schoolmate. Sincerely yours J. E.. Mathewson.